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Notices

Section 21 notices: what to check on the paperwork

· 6 min read

A Section 21 notice is often the starting point for a no-fault possession claim. That does not mean every notice is valid: courts can be strict about form, timing, and whether the landlord met certain obligations first.

Tenants often start by checking the notice period matches what the law required at the date of the notice, and whether the prescribed form was used correctly. Small errors on the form or dates can matter.

Deposit protection is another frequent theme. If the deposit was not protected within the statutory time limit, or prescribed information was not given, that can affect whether a Section 21 notice can be relied on in some circumstances.

Keep a clear record of how and when the notice was served, and keep your tenancy agreement, rent payment evidence, and any correspondence in one place. If you later need advice, having everything organised saves time and stress.

This article is general information for tenants in England and Wales. It is not legal advice. If you are facing court proceedings or a tight deadline, speak to a qualified adviser as soon as you can.