Why it matters
What Form 6A (Section 21 Notice) means for a landlord
Form 6A was the compulsory form for a Section 21 notice. Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026, and a notice served before then could only support a claim issued by 31 July 2026, so no Form 6A can be used to start a claim now. A landlord who needs possession must choose a Section 8 ground and serve Form 3A.
Worked example
How it plays out
Martin served Form 6A on a tenant in Swindon in April 2026. He meant to start a claim but was abroad over the summer and did nothing until September. By then the notice could not be used, because claims on Section 21 notices served before 1 May 2026 had to start by 31 July 2026. To regain possession he now needs a Section 8 ground.
Common mistakes
Where landlords go wrong
- 01Using Form 6A for any notice after 1 May 2026.
- 02Thinking a notice served before May can still start a claim now.
- 03Keeping Form 6A in your templates folder.
What to do
A short checklist
- Delete Form 6A from your templates.
- Move possession plans to Section 8 and Form 3A.
- Keep old notices with past tenancy records.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Evicting tenants in England
- legislation.gov.uk: Renters’ Rights Act 2025
- legislation.gov.uk: Housing Act 1988
Checked against these sources on 16 September 2026. A guide to the rules in England, not legal advice: for a dispute or a possession claim, speak to a solicitor.
