Possession notice periods have been changed multiple times since March 2020, leading to a great deal of confusion about how landlords may seek possession during the pandemic.

As of 1st October 2021, notice periods will return to their pre-pandemic lengths.

This means that the minimum notice period under a section 21 notice is now two clear months. Please note that you may only serve a section 21 notice four months after the commencement of the tenancy.

If you are a landlord looking to serve such a notice, you must use Form 6A if the tenancy commenced after 30 September 2015. Form 6A has been amended to reflect the changes to possession procedures since 1st October 2021.

A section 21 notice can be invalidated in the event that you failed to provide up-to-date copies of the following documents prior to the commencement of tenancy:

• Signed Tenancy Agreement
• Gas Safety Certificate
• Energy Performance Certificate (within 10 years of issue)
• ‘How to rent: The checklist for renting in England’ – A government produced guide
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme Certificate (if a deposit was taken)

It is important to note that the government retains the ability to reapply longer notice periods up until 25 March 2022.

Ultimately, this depends largely on the impacts of the pandemic.

If you are a landlord looking to serve such a notice, please do not hesitate to send us a message.

Alternatively, you can call a Bailoran expert on 0113 266 0735.