Can a private landlord use section 21 after I report repairs?

Section 21 no-fault eviction ended in England on 1 May 2026. A landlord must rely on an applicable statutory possession ground and follow the correct process.

Does reporting repairs prevent every eviction?

No. Reporting repairs does not prevent a landlord seeking possession on a valid ground, such as qualifying rent arrears or another statutory reason. The landlord must prove the ground and obtain the required court process.

Can my landlord change the locks?

A landlord generally cannot lawfully remove a residential tenant without the required court order and court-appointed bailiff. Lock-changing, threats or service disconnection may amount to harassment or illegal eviction.

Can My Landlord Evict Me for Reporting Repairs?

What changed on 1 May 2026?

The Renters' Rights Act reforms ended section 21 no-fault eviction in England and moved assured tenancies to the new periodic system. A private landlord now needs an applicable possession ground and must follow the notice and court procedure for that ground.

Can the landlord still seek possession?

Yes, where a statutory ground applies. Grounds can concern rent arrears, landlord or family occupation, sale, antisocial behaviour and other defined circumstances. Some are mandatory if proved; others require the court to consider reasonableness. Reporting disrepair does not erase genuine arrears or other grounds.

What is an illegal eviction?

GOV.UK guidance explains that a landlord must use the correct legal procedure. Changing locks, physically removing occupants or belongings, cutting essential services or using threats may constitute harassment or illegal eviction. Only a court-appointed bailiff can carry out an enforced eviction.

What should I do after an eviction threat?

Keep the message, notice, envelope and repair history.
Continue paying rent and complying with the tenancy where possible.
Contact the council's tenancy-relations or housing team.
Get urgent advice before a notice or defence deadline expires.
Call police if violence is threatened or an illegal eviction is underway.

What if I receive court papers?

Do not ignore them. The defence deadline and hearing information matter. Tell the adviser about disrepair, council notices, complaints, deposit issues and all payments. The Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service may provide free advice at possession proceedings.

Can disrepair be raised in possession proceedings?

Potentially, as a defence, counterclaim or set-off depending on the facts and ground. This is procedurally different from an ordinary pre-action disrepair claim. Read our rent arrears and disrepair guide.

Should I still report dangerous repairs?

Yes. Report clearly and keep proof. Contact the council where hazards remain unresolved. Safety and health should not be sacrificed because of an eviction threat, but coordinated housing and legal advice is important.

This article provides general legal information only. It does not constitute legal advice on any specific case. Awaab's Law Claims Specialists is a trading name of Driscoll Kingston & Co Limited, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 839699).