UK no-fault eviction ban: what it means for a June move

Tenants planning a June 2026 move should check whether their new agreement starts before or after the Renters’ Rights Bill transition date, because the end of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions changes how landlords can regain possession and how tenants can challenge poor housing conditions.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has confirmed final guidance for ending Section 21 for new tenancies starting from mid-2026. That means renters signing around June should not rely on old assumptions about two-month eviction notices, informal rent rises or repairs that are left unresolved.

Key dates and rules renters should check

How the Section 21 ban affects moving in June

Section 21 has allowed landlords in England to ask tenants to leave without proving fault, provided the notice and paperwork rules were met. Under the new system, landlords will need to use defined possession grounds instead, such as selling the property, moving in close family or responding to serious rent arrears.

For a June move, the practical question is the tenancy start date. If the agreement begins before the new system applies, the old rules may still matter during the transition. If it begins after the commencement date in the guidance, the landlord should not be able to rely on Section 21 for that tenancy.

Tenants should keep copies of the signed agreement, deposit protection information, rent statements, repair requests and any notices served by the landlord. These records matter if there is a dispute.

Rent rises and repairs get stronger guardrails

The new rules are designed to stop repeated or informal rent increases. Rent should rise no more than once a year, using the correct notice process. Tenants who believe a proposed increase is above the market level can challenge it through the formal route, although they should get advice before withholding rent.

The decent homes standard is also important. It means private rented homes must meet minimum expectations on hazards, repair, warmth and basic facilities. A tenant who complains about damp, unsafe electrics, broken heating or other serious conditions should not be treated as having caused a possession problem simply by raising those issues.

The legal position can still depend on dates, evidence and the exact notice served. Tenants facing eviction or a large rent increase should contact their council housing team, Citizens Advice, Shelter or a qualified housing adviser quickly.

What renters should do next

Before signing a June tenancy, ask the landlord or agent which Renters’ Rights timetable applies and whether the property will appear on the private rented sector database. After moving in, report repairs in writing, keep photographs where relevant, and do not ignore any possession or rent increase notice.

Landlords should also review the guidance before issuing notices, because using the wrong route after the transition could delay possession and create legal risk.

Source: UK Government