The UK rental sector is changing. With the scrapping of Section 21 now confirmed under the Renters Reform Bill, landlords in Walton Vale and beyond will need to adapt to a new legal framework. While some may view this as a loss of control, there are still plenty of ways to safeguard your property, protect your income and thrive in a more regulated market.
At Whitegates Walton Vale, we help local landlords navigate legislative change and manage their portfolios with confidence. This guide will walk you through what the removal of Section 21 means, how the replacement process works, and how to stay protected as a landlord in today’s lettings landscape.
What was Section 21 and why has it been abolished?
Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 allowed landlords to serve tenants with two months’ notice to leave a property, without giving a reason. It was often referred to as a “no fault” eviction.
For many landlords, Section 21 offered a simple route to regain possession, particularly at the end of a fixed term. However, it was also criticised for enabling sudden evictions that left tenants feeling insecure. The government has abolished Section 21 as part of a broader effort to make renting fairer and more transparent.
The change is designed to:
- Give tenants more security and confidence in their homes
- Encourage longer tenancies
- Strengthen the professional standards of landlords
But importantly, landlords still have the right to evict tenants — they just need to use valid legal grounds.
What replaces Section 21?
With Section 21 scrapped, landlords must now use Section 8 of the Housing Act to evict a tenant. This requires providing a legally acceptable reason for the eviction, and in some cases, supporting evidence.
Section 8 already existed before, but the grounds for use are being expanded and clarified as part of the Renters Reform Bill. Valid grounds include:
- Serious rent arrears
- Persistent late payment
- Antisocial behaviour
- Breach of tenancy terms
- The landlord selling the property
- The landlord or close family member moving in
The aim is to maintain the landlord’s right to possession but make the process more formal, structured and evidence-based.
How this impacts Walton Vale landlords
For landlords in Walton Vale, the impact is significant but manageable. You will need to be more meticulous in how you manage tenancies, document interactions, and enforce legal rights.
Here are some of the key changes to be aware of:
- Tenancies will be periodic by default: Fixed-term tenancies will be replaced by rolling monthly agreements. Tenants can give two months’ notice to leave, while landlords must have grounds to end the tenancy.
- Evictions require documentation: From rent records to inspection logs and correspondence, paperwork will be essential for using Section 8 successfully.
- Increased enforcement: Local authorities, including Liverpool City Council, will have greater powers to enforce housing standards and penalise non-compliance.
The message is clear: landlords who follow best practice and stay organised will still have the tools they need to manage tenancies effectively.
Need help understanding how the new rules affect your portfolio? Book your free landlord compliance consultation with Whitegates Walton Vale.
Legal eviction under Section 8: what you need to know
Section 8 is now the only lawful route to evict tenants in most cases. To use it correctly, landlords must:
- Select the correct legal ground: Each ground has specific notice requirements. For example, rent arrears of two months or more is a mandatory ground for possession.
- Issue a Section 8 notice: The correct form (Form 3) must be completed accurately and served properly.
- Prepare for court if needed: If a tenant disputes the eviction, you may need to provide evidence in court to support your claim.
- Keep all relevant documents: This includes tenancy agreements, rent statements, emails, letters and inspection records.
Professional guidance can help prevent costly errors and delays.
The rental market in Walton Vale: still strong
Despite regulatory change, the rental market in Walton Vale remains buoyant. In fact, the Renters Reform Bill is aligned with growing demand for longer tenancies, improved housing quality and professional landlord management.
According to Rightmove’s House Price Index (Q3 2024):
- Average asking rents in L9 (which includes Walton Vale) rose by 6.7% over the past 12 months
- Demand continues to outpace supply, especially for 2- and 3-bedroom family homes
- Rental stock with EPC ratings of C or above is letting faster and commanding higher rents
Zoopla’s Rental Market Report also shows that tenancy lengths across Merseyside are now averaging 20 months, showing a shift toward long-term rentals.
This trend is good news for landlords who can offer well-maintained homes and stable agreements.
How Walton Vale landlords can stay protected
The key to thriving in a post-Section 21 market is professionalism. Here are the practical steps you should take:
1. Review tenancy agreements
Make sure your agreements are fully compliant with the new rules, including references to periodic tenancies and updated clauses for rent increases and notice periods.
2. Maintain accurate documentation
Log rent payments, record communications with tenants and conduct regular inspections. Keep photos and written records to protect yourself in any dispute.
3. Understand Section 8 grounds
Familiarise yourself with the full list of legal grounds and their respective notice periods. Be prepared to act if tenants breach terms.
4. Prioritise property condition and compliance
Keep your property up to date with all safety certifications — gas, EICR, EPC, smoke alarms — and address repairs quickly.
5. Partner with a local agent
A professional agent can manage notices, compliance and tenant relations on your behalf, giving you peace of mind.
Want peace of mind with compliance and tenancy management? Discover our fully managed landlord services.
The upside for proactive landlords
While change often brings hesitation, the current shift also creates several opportunities for Walton Vale landlords:
- Longer, more stable tenancies: This means fewer void periods and more consistent income.
- Greater tenant satisfaction: Tenants who feel secure are more likely to take care of your property and stay longer.
- Higher rental yields: Properties that are well presented and energy efficient are in high demand.
- Stronger legal standing: Landlords who follow the correct legal process are better protected in court if issues arise.
The playing field is leveling, but professional landlords who adapt will still come out ahead.
How Whitegates Walton Vale supports local landlords
At Whitegates Walton Vale, we understand how complex lettings legislation can be — especially when it keeps changing. That’s why our services are designed to protect your property, your time and your income.
We provide:
- Fully compliant tenancy agreements and documentation
- Section 8 notice management and legal support
- Rent collection and arrears handling
- Tenant referencing and vetting
- Property maintenance coordination
- Local lettings expertise tailored to Walton Vale’s market
Whether you manage one property or a growing portfolio, our expert team can take care of everything for you.
Book your free rental valuation or landlord consultation today.
Final thoughts: Don’t fear change — plan for it
Section 21 has been a useful tool for landlords, but its removal is not the end of successful lettings. The new system prioritises transparency and professionalism, which are already best practice for long-term success.
By staying informed, working with the right partners and ensuring your property is compliant, you can continue to thrive in the local rental market.
And with Whitegates Walton Vale by your side, you won’t be navigating these changes alone.
