If you are a landlord in the UK and wish to regain possession of your property, you may need to issue a Section 21 notice to your tenants A Section 21 notice is a legal document that informs the tenant that the landlord intends to regain possession of their property once the tenancy agreement expires It is an important step in the process of evicting a tenant, and it must be issued correctly to be valid In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to issue a Section 21 notice.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before issuing a Section 21 notice, it is crucial to ensure that you are eligible to do so You can issue a Section 21 notice if you have an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) agreement with your tenant However, there are specific criteria that you must meet, such as protecting the tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme, providing the tenant with a copy of the “How to Rent” guide, and ensuring that the property meets the required safety standards.
Step 2: Serve the Section 21 Notice
To serve a Section 21 notice, you must use the correct form, which varies depending on when the tenancy started and the location of the property The two main forms are Form 6A for properties in England and Form 6B for properties in Wales You can download the appropriate form from the government’s website or seek assistance from a legal professional to ensure that you are using the correct form.
Step 3: Provide the Relevant Information
When filling out the Section 21 notice form, you must provide the tenant with specific information, such as the date on which the tenant is required to vacate the property, the reason for issuing the notice, and the landlord’s details how to issue section 21 notice. It is essential to double-check the information provided to ensure that it is accurate and complete.
Step 4: Serve the Notice Correctly
To serve a Section 21 notice correctly, you must deliver it to the tenant in writing You can do this by hand, by post, or by email if the tenancy agreement allows for service by electronic means It is recommended to keep a copy of the notice and evidence of its service, such as a receipt or a witness statement, in case of any disputes in the future.
Step 5: Wait for the Notice Period to Expire
Once you have served the Section 21 notice to the tenant, you must wait for the notice period to expire before taking any further action The notice period is usually two months, but it may vary depending on the terms of the tenancy agreement or the type of tenancy.
Step 6: Apply for a Possession Order
If the tenant fails to vacate the property by the end of the notice period, you can apply to the court for a possession order This involves completing the necessary forms, paying the court fees, and attending a hearing If the court grants the possession order, the tenant will be required to leave the property by a specified date, failing which the court bailiffs may be instructed to evict the tenant.
In conclusion, issuing a Section 21 notice is a crucial step in the process of evicting a tenant By following the steps outlined in this guide and seeking professional advice if needed, you can ensure that the Section 21 notice is issued correctly and that you regain possession of your property in a lawful and efficient manner.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that the Section 21 notice is issued correctly and that you regain possession of your property in a lawful and efficient manner.