Residential landlords – Notice periods to revert to what they were before the pandemic

The government has laid out new regulations*, effective from 1 October 2021, which amend the statutory notice periods when seeking possession of residential tenancies to the pre-pandemic position. There will also be new prescribed forms for both notices.

For Section 8 Notices, as was the case pre-pandemic, the notice period depends on the ground being relied upon. For Section 21 Notices, the notice period shall be ‘at least two months’ notice’. From 1 October 2021, the following new prescribed forms must be used:

• Section 8 – Notice Requiring Possession of a Property in England let on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy – Form No 3; and
• Section 21 – Notice Requiring Possession of a Property in England let on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy – Form No 6A.

Landlords who are considering serving a Section 8 or Section 21 notice may choose to wait until 1 October to benefit from the shorter notice period (ensuring to use the correct form).

*The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Residential Tenancies and Notices) (Amendment and Suspension) (England) Regulations 2021