Section 21 has gone. How do I get my property back now?

What has actually changed?

Section 21 let landlords end a tenancy without giving a reason. Under the Renters' Rights Act it's been abolished in England. To get a property back now, you'll generally need to rely on one of the Section 8 grounds, such as selling, moving family in, or serious rent arrears, give the right amount of notice, and go to court if the tenant doesn't leave.

The detail matters here and it keeps being updated, so check the latest government guidance or speak to a specialist before you serve any notice. I'm not a solicitor, and you shouldn't treat this article like one.

Why is this so frustrating for landlords?

Most of the landlords we speak to aren't trying to throw anyone out. They just want the option. Maybe they want to sell in a couple of years, or a son or daughter needs somewhere to live, or they're simply tired of being a landlord.

Before, that was a two month notice and a fairly predictable outcome. Now it can mean months of waiting, a court date you don't control, and a property you can't sell or use in the meantime. It's a bit like lending someone your car and finding out you need a judge's permission to get the keys back.

How do short lets avoid this?

A short let isn't a tenancy. Guests book a stay with a fixed checkout date, the same as a hotel. When they check out, they leave. There's no possession claim, no notice period and no court.

At Renzo we focus on longer bookings from contractors and relocating families, but even a three month stay is still a booking, not a tenancy. If a guest breaks the house rules, they leave and they're charged. That's a very different position to chasing a tenant through the courts.

What happens if I want out of short lets?

Our contracts are flexible. If you decide to stop working with Renzo, the property comes back to you empty and ready to sell, with no tenant to remove. For a lot of landlords that alone is worth the switch.

You can also block dates whenever you like for your own use or family visits, which is something a long let simply doesn't allow.

Is switching right for every property?

No. If there's a sitting tenant you'll still need to end that tenancy properly first, and that can take time. And if your mortgage or lease bans short lets, sort that out before anything else. Our guide on whether your property is suitable walks through those checks.

My honest view: if you'd like the freedom to sell or move family in at short notice, a long let is now the wrong tool for that job. If you're new to the idea, start with what short let management actually is, and read our plain English summary of the Renters' Rights Act.