The end of Section 21 has been painted as the death knell for private landlords. I don’t buy it. This is not the end of lettings – it’s the start of a new chapter where agents can finally prove just how valuable we are.
For years, Section 21 has been the landlord’s safety net. It was never perfect, but it offered a straightforward route to regain possession once a tenancy ended. From 2025, that option disappears. All new tenancies will be open-ended, and possession will only be possible through Section 8 grounds such as arrears, anti-social behaviour or a landlord wishing to sell.
Understandably, nerves are frayed. Research suggests over 90 per cent of letting agents are worried about losing landlords altogether, and one in three has already seen clients sell up. For smaller, accidental landlords in particular, Section 21 was the reassurance that kept them in the market. Without it, some are already reaching for the exit.
But here’s the point: possession is still possible. Section 8 grounds have been widened and clarified. What changes is the need for stronger processes – accurate paperwork, robust evidence and diligent tenancy management. That is where good agents come into their own.
The new regime will test professionalism, but it also highlights why landlords need expert support more than ever. Agents who already run disciplined arrears procedures, thorough inspections and clear lines of communication will be well placed to guide clients through the change.
And let’s be honest – Section 21 was never meant to be a shortcut for poor management. Too often it was used as a blunt tool to deal with arrears or complaints. Its removal shines a spotlight on the real value of proactive property management. Rent guarantee products, mediation services and compliance expertise are not “extras” anymore – they are essentials.
Yes, some landlords will leave the sector. But those who remain will be more business-minded, more professional and more demanding of their agents. That is no bad thing. Our industry has weathered huge waves of change before – from licensing to tax reform – and each time the best agents adapted and thrived. This is no different.
My message to landlords is simple: don’t panic. The landscape is changing, but it is far from unmanageable. With the right advice and a knowledgeable agent by your side, you can still protect your investment and your tenants.
And my message to agents? This is the moment to step up. Section 21 may be going, but our role has never been more important. The question is not whether we can adapt, but how quickly we can show landlords that the future of lettings is still secure – with us guiding the way.
Sophie Lang, co-founder of Lang Llewellyn & Co
As a Scottish agent who experienced our own “Section 21 moment” when Section 33 was removed with the introduction of the Private Residential Tenancy, I don’t see the removal of that ground as a major concern. When a landlord needs to recover a property, it’s typically for core reasons:- selling, rent arrears, moving back in, and so on. As long as these remain recognised grounds under the new regime, landlords have little to worry about in my view.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
All appears fairly straightforward. Doing regular inspection, of course, is important but tenants have to agree and often refuse. I would like to have seen at least something in this bill for landlords. Anti social behaviour previously had to involve the police and a police report could take up to 2 years before an eviction notice could even be issued. I do not allow pets in my small block of flats but this did not stop 2 of my tenants bringing in a cat each. These are house cats they never went outside. With recycling today I have no idea where they emptied their cat litter. My tenants all work full time and I dread if they decide to bring in a dog. They know I cannot stop this and no judge would ever allow me to evict over a pet. I would also have liked to see a landlord’s right to ban smoking in his property and for this to be upheld. Landlord’s own the property and are responsible for all repairs and maintenance we have to cope with bad tenants let alone damage that can be caused by pets due to negligence by their owners with no redress to the landlord.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register