Eviction Rights in 2026: Section 21 Is Gone — Here's What You Need to Know

Choose the guide for where the home is

England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different eviction laws, notices and courts, so each has its own guide. Each one starts with what has happened to you and says what the law is, what it depends on and where to get help.

Unlawful eviction: the rule in each part of the UK

• In England and Wales a landlord usually needs a court order to make you leave. It is a crime to lock you out, remove your belongings, cut off services or harass you to make you go. If it is happening now, call the police (999 if you are in danger, 101 if not).
• There is one big exception. If you are a lodger who shares a kitchen, bathroom or living space with a landlord who lives in the home (an 'excluded occupier'), the landlord can end your stay after reasonable notice without going to court. After the notice runs out they can change the locks. Harassing you to make you leave is still a crime.
• England and Wales: the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 makes unlawful eviction and harassment criminal offences. Northern Ireland: harassing a tenant to make them leave is an offence under Article 54 of the Rent Order, as amended. Scotland: a tenant who was misled into leaving can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for a wrongful-termination order.

Each guide lists its official sources at the end.