I got a Section 21 notice — what happens now?

The first thing to check is the date the notice was served. Everything depends on this.

If it was served on or after 1 May 2026, it is not valid. Section 21 was abolished on that date. Your landlord cannot use it anymore. You do not have to leave.

If it was served before 1 May 2026, it may still be active. Your landlord has until 31 July 2026 to apply to a court for a possession order. If they miss that deadline, the notice expires and becomes worthless. Even with a valid notice, you do not have to leave until a court grants a possession order and bailiffs are authorised.

There are also things that can make even a pre-May 2026 notice invalid: your deposit not being protected in a government scheme; your landlord not providing a gas safety certificate or EPC; the notice being on the wrong form (must be Form 6A). Any of these flaws can be used to challenge it.

Do not assume you must leave. Your next step: Get the notice checked for free by Shelter's legal team — they spot legal flaws that can invalidate notices — or Citizens Advice housing advisors before you do anything.