The government’s long-awaited plans to scrap Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions are officially moving forward. If you’re a landlord in Taunton, it’s natural to wonder what this means for your rental properties, your income, and your future strategy.
At Northwood Taunton, we believe landlords deserve clear, practical guidance – especially during big legislative changes. So, what does the end of Section 21 really mean, and how can you protect your investment in 2025 and beyond?
What is Section 21 – and why is it being scrapped?
Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 allows landlords to evict tenants without giving a specific reason, once the fixed term of a tenancy has ended. Known as a ‘no fault’ eviction, it has long been criticised for giving tenants limited protection and contributing to housing insecurity.
The government’s Renters Reform Bill proposes abolishing Section 21 entirely. The goal? To create a fairer rental system where good tenants feel secure and landlords still have clear routes to regain possession when necessary.
The bill also proposes:
- Ending fixed-term tenancies in favour of periodic (rolling) ones
- Reforming Section 8 to allow evictions for legitimate reasons (e.g. selling the property, persistent rent arrears, anti-social behaviour)
- Introducing a new digital Property Portal to increase transparency
What does this mean for landlords in Taunton?
Let’s be clear – this isn’t the end of landlord rights. But it does mean change. Landlords in Taunton will need to:
- Use specific legal grounds to evict tenants
- Provide evidence to support any Section 8 claim
- Work more closely with tenants to resolve issues before resorting to notice
The abolition of Section 21 may also lead to longer tenancies and fewer casual moves, which could reduce void periods and create more stable rental income.
What challenges might landlords face?
The biggest shift is the loss of flexibility. For landlords used to managing portfolios with short-term tenancies or rapid changes in occupancy, the removal of Section 21 could feel restrictive.
You may also need to:
- Prepare more detailed tenancy agreements
- Keep clearer records of rent, communication, and conduct
- Be ready for more robust dispute processes if things go wrong
How Northwood Taunton helps protect landlords
We’ve always believed that landlords deserve peace of mind. That’s why Northwood’s Guaranteed Rent service has never relied on Section 21.
With Guaranteed Rent, you get:
- Fixed monthly payments even if the tenant doesn’t pay
- No void periods – we pay whether the property is let or empty
- Full property management and tenant handling
- Legal compliance taken care of
It’s a service built for the future – and for moments just like this. You won’t have to chase rent, stress over legal forms, or worry about changes in legislation disrupting your income.
What should you do next?
If you’re a landlord in Taunton, now’s the time to:
- Review your tenancy agreements
- Brush up on the latest eviction rules
- Get ahead of compliance changes
- Talk to a local expert about your options
At Northwood Taunton, we’re ready to guide you through the changes – and keep your rental income secure, stable, and stress-free.
