More than two-thirds (68%) of tenants believe that abolishing Section 21 was necessary to provide greater security, but this isn’t translating into reality, according to new research from LRG.
Its Autumn 2026 Lettings Report, based on responses from 405 LRG landlords, 166 LRG tenants and 107 LandlordZone landlords, found that, in addition to tenants believing in the need for greater security, a third of LRG landlords and almost a fifth of LandlordZone landlords believed it was necessary.
However, only 39% of tenants say they now feel more secure in their current tenancy, including 20% who feel much more secure. Almost a third (31%) feel no more or less secure, while 13% feel less secure. A further 17% were unsure or had been unaware of the change.
Section 21 was abolished in England on 1 May 2026 as part of the Renters’ Rights Act, which means that landlords can now no longer end an assured tenancy without using a defined legal possession ground.
Before the change, more than half (53%) of tenants said they had been very or quite concerned that their landlord might ask them to leave without giving a reason. However, 46% were not very concerned or not concerned at all.
Almost two-thirds of LRG landlords (65%) said they had never used Section 21, while 24% had used it once and 6% more than once. LandlordZone respondents, most of whom manage their own properties, had greater direct experience of the process: 59% had used Section 21 at least once, and 39% had never used it.
Where it had been used, the most common reasons were rent arrears or repeated late payment, followed by antisocial behaviour or another tenancy issue.
For tenants to feel secure, a good relationship with the landlord was the leading answer among LRG landlords (44%), compared with 65% for LandlordZone landlords and 27% of tenants. Good communication and management by the letting agent followed closely, at 25% for tenants and 27% for LRG landlords. Legal protections were selected by 20% of tenants, compared with 7% of LRG landlords and 3% of LandlordZone landlords.
Allison Thompson, chief lettings officer at Leaders, part of LRG, said: “The difference in opinion is understandable because landlords and tenants came to this reform from different experiences. Many tenants wanted greater reassurance that they could build their lives in a rented home without being asked to leave unexpectedly. At the same time, most LRG landlords had never used Section 21 and saw a well-run tenancy with a reliable tenant as something to protect, not end.”
“Six months after the change, it is significant that fewer than four in ten tenants feel more secure. Legislation establishes important protections, but security is also created through fair treatment, a well-maintained home, clear expectations and confidence that someone will respond when help is needed.”
This article is taken from Landlord Today