The Renters Reform Act came into effect on 1 May 2026, yet some unsuspecting tenants are still being asked to leave properties under Section 21 notices

Tenants —  If you suspect a revenge eviction here’s a few things you should to know about your rights and the changes now in force:

Eviction notice after asking for repairs

From 1 May 2026, your private landlord cannot give you a section 21 eviction notice  (no fault eviction)

This means they cannot evict you just because you:

• Asked for repairs
• Complained about your home

You have stronger rights because of the Renters' Rights Act.

If you were given a notice before 1 May 2026

Your rights might not have changed if the notice is valid.

A section 21 notice is valid if your landlord:

• Used the right form
• Give at least 2 months' notice
• You did not break other rules for landlords

Check a section 21 notice is valid.

Are you protected from a revenge eviction?

You could be protected if you complained to the council about repairs in your home.

You are only protected if the council gave your landlord an:

• Improvement notice
• Emergency works notice

The council should have sent you copies of any notices they gave your landlord.

These notices would have stopped your landlord giving you a valid section 21 notice for 6 months. It also means that a notice given before you complained to the council might not be valid.

Sometimes the council take no action or less formal action against your landlord. In this situation, your notice might still be valid.

If your landlord has another reason to evict you, they could still give you a section 8 notice.

How to challenge  a suspected revenge eviction

Check the date of the notice, landlord cannot use a section 21 notice

• After May 1st 2026
• If the council has already issued an  improvement or emergency works notice.

If any of the above apply ask your council for further help. They can speak to your landlord for you.

Seek help as soon as you get a notice.

Find a legal adviser on GOV.UK.

You can get more legal help if you get benefits or have a low income.

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