There’s been a rise of landlords serving eviction notices ahead of the Section 21 ban coming into force in May 2026.
Landlord Action has experienced its busiest month in more than two years, with instructions from landlords serving eviction notices rising by 62% year-on-year in September 2025.
Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action, said: “It’s no surprise we had such a busy September.
“Landlords have known the abolition of Section 21 was coming for years, but now that implementation is certain, many have been taking action to regain control before the new regime takes effect.
“For some, that means serving notice on properties they want to sell, or where there are arrears or ongoing issues, while they still can.”
There’s been a rise of both Section 21 and Section 8 instructions.
Landlords are commonly worried about the Section 21 eviction ban because it will force them to use the Section 8 route, where they are at the mercy of the creaking court system, which causes many months of delays.
Shamplina added: “I have said for years that the court system is in desperate need of investment.
“We have had promises from both governments, but little has actually changed. In hindsight, if the idea of dedicated Housing Courts had been followed through back in 2020, and if Covid had not derailed everything, we would be in a much stronger position now.
“Confidence in the court system is at an all-time low, and that is a real concern as we transition away from Section 21.”
A number of London boroughs recorded the highest claim and repossession rates in the country, with Barking and Dagenham topping the list for possession claims.
Landlord Action expects this surge in instructions to continue until the Section 21 ban takes effect in six months’ time.