Citywide Housing

Section 21 Ending: What Landlords Must Know by May 2026

TL;DR

Compliance for landlords in Bradford isn’t optional—it’s the law. From licensing to safety checks, this blog covers the essential legal requirements you must meet and how Citywide Housing Group (CHG) takes on the work for you, ensuring your property is fully compliant while you enjoy consistent rental income.

What’s in This Article:

  • What the end of Section 21 actually means
  • How eviction rules will work from 1 May 2026
  • How long Section 8 evictions may take
  • Real examples of how the change affects landlords
  • How Citywide Housing removes eviction risk
  • FAQs
  • Next steps

What the End of Section 21 Means for Landlords

Section 21 has been the most commonly used route for landlords to regain possession. It allowed landlords to end a tenancy without giving a specific reason.

From 1 May 2026, Section 21 will be abolished. Landlords will no longer be able to evict without cause.

This means:

  • All evictions must be justified using Section 8 grounds
  • Landlords will need evidence, documentation, and correct notice periods
  • Court involvement will increase
  • Recovery of possession will take longer in most cases

 

How the New Eviction Rules Work

Under the new system, landlords can only regain possession for legally valid reasons under Section 8.

Common Section 8 Grounds:
  • Serious rent arrears
  • Persistent late payment
  • Anti‑social behaviour
  • Damage to the property
  • Landlord intention to sell
  • Landlord or a family member intending to move in

Each ground has strict evidence requirements, notice periods, and court processes.

How Long Will Evictions Take Under the New Rules?

Current delays for Section 8 cases are 4–12 months, depending on the local court backlog.

This timeframe could increase once Section 21 is abolished, as every eviction will depend on the courts.

A typical timeline:

  • 1–2 weeks to prepare evidence
  • 4 weeks notice period
  • 8–20 weeks wait for a court date
  • 2–6 weeks for bailiff enforcement if needed

This creates significant financial and operational risk for landlords who rely on rental income.

Example: Bradford Landlord Scenario

A landlord in Bradford has a tenant refusing access for essential repairs. Under the new rules, they would need to:

  • Issue a Section 8 notice under Ground 12
  • Provide proof of breach
  • Wait for a court date
  • Potentially wait several months for possession.

During this time, rent may be unpaid and the property may continue deteriorating.

Example: Leeds HMO Landlord Scenario

A tenant in a Leeds HMO is causing noise and anti‑social behaviour.

Under the new system:

  • Landlord cannot use Section 21
  • Must rely on anti‑social behaviour grounds
  • Requires neighbour statements, logs, and police involvement
  • Possession depends on judge assessment

What used to be a straightforward Section 21 case becomes a long, complex, and uncertain legal process.

How Citywide Housing Removes Eviction Risk Entirely

When you lease your property to Citywide on a 3–5 year commercial lease, you do not deal with evictions.

Because:

  • You are leasing to Citywide Housing, not individual tenants
  • Citywide becomes your contracted tenant for the full lease term
  • You are paid consistent rent every month regardless of occupancy
  • All tenant‑related issues fall to our Registered Provider partners
  • You never attend court, issue notices, or chase rent

You Receive:

  • Consistent guaranteed rent
  • No voids
  • No arrears
  • No repairs
  • No tenant issues
  • Hands‑off management

Eviction rules become irrelevant to you because you are no longer managing tenants.

Landlord reviewing UK property compliance checklist with tenant documents

How Our Guaranteed Rent Scheme Works

Step 1: Get in Touch

Contact us today by phone or complete our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation property consultation.

Step 2: Property Assessment

We’ll visit your property to assess its condition, provide recommendations for any necessary improvements, and ensure it meets all required standards.

Step 3: Compliance & Handover

We manage the entire compliance process, carry out any necessary repairs, and arrange for an inventory check before officially handing over the property.

Step 4: Consistent Rent Begins

Once everything is in place, we take care of the property management, and you’ll start receiving consistent rent every month.

Why Guaranteed Rent is Perfect for Bradford Property Investors

Bradford is a thriving city with a strong rental market. However, like many areas in the UK, landlords often face the challenges of tenant turnover, property voids, and late payments. By partnering with Citywide Housing, you gain the peace of mind of knowing that you will receive a consistent, hassle-free income.

Bradford also benefits from high demand in areas like Keighley, Shipley, Ilkley, and Baildon, making it an ideal location for guaranteed rent schemes.

How Citywide Housing Group Supports Landlords

At Citywide Housing Group, we specialise in helping landlords secure guaranteed income with long-term leases. Our approach ensures:

  • Full Property Management: From tenant management to maintenance, we take care of everything so you don’t have to.

  • Compliance and Legal Support: We ensure that all your properties meet legal requirements and comply with housing standards.

  • No Hidden Fees: We believe in transparency, with no surprise costs—what we agree on is what you get.

  • Local Expertise: Our team is familiar with the Bradford housing market, ensuring you get the best returns for your property.

Landlord ensuring rental property safety with smoke alarms.

FAQs About Guaranteed Rent for Bradford Landlords

Our leases typically last between 3 to 5 years, offering landlords long-term stability.

Even if your property is vacant, you will still receive guaranteed rent payments.

Yes, you can sell your property at any time, but your guaranteed rent payments will continue until the end of the lease agreement.

Contact us for a free property assessment and see how our guaranteed rent scheme can benefit your Bradford property.

How to Get Started with Citywide Housing Group

If you’re ready to secure fixed, reliable income with no voids or arrears, it’s time to join the growing number of landlords in Bradford benefiting from guaranteed rent schemes.

Contact Citywide Housing Group today to schedule your free property assessment and discover how we can help you unlock the potential of your property.


For more information, visit Citywide Housing or call us at 0113 323 0678.

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