News from 4 May 2026
Read the current guide to tenancy rules in England.
Update, 7 September 2026. The original GOV.UK publication now redirects to guidance for social-housing tenants. Private landlords in England should use the current private-landlord possession guidance. The original May report follows; obtain legal advice for a live case.
GOV.UK updated possession guidance on 1 May 2026 as England’s tenancy reforms took effect. The original publication has since redirected to social-housing guidance. The update note and current private-landlord guide below explain where to find relevant information now.
Why the guidance update matters
The GOV.UK possession guidance explains the broad sequence when a landlord seeks possession through the county court: a notice is served, a claim may be issued if the tenant does not leave or resolve the issue, and the court then deals with the case. It is designed to help private landlords understand rights and responsibilities when taking possession, while also explaining the process to tenants who have been served with a notice.
That process now sits inside a changed tenancy regime in England. Section 21 has ended for private landlords, and possession now depends on using the correct route and relying on a valid ground. Our recent overview of the Renters’ Rights Act now in force explains the broader shift, including changes to tenancy structure, rent increases, upfront rent, bidding wars, discrimination and pets.
Choosing the right possession route comes before completing the form. It depends on the reason for possession, the evidence behind that reason, the correct notice, service records and any compliance issues that could affect the claim.
