Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property Industry Eye. Read the original article for full details.

Letting Agents Respond Quickly to Section 8 Changes After Section 21 Abolition

Letting agents are rapidly adapting to the end of Section 21, with 87 agency brands seeking Section 8 support since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force. LegalforLandlords reports a significant increase in demand for specialist advice as the sector adjusts to the new possession process.

The abolition of Section 21 in May has made Section 8 the main route for landlords seeking possession of their properties. Section 8 allows landlords to regain possession where specific legal grounds exist, such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, property damage, or other breaches of a tenancy agreement.

LegalforLandlords has revealed that 87 letting agency brands have signed up for Section 8 support in the eight weeks since the new legislation took effect. The company attributes this rise to the growing need for professional guidance as agents and landlords navigate the revised legal landscape.

Recent court data shows that private landlord possession claims reached 7,629 in the first quarter of 2026. This figure is up 11.1% on the previous quarter and 4% higher than the same period last year. LegalforLandlords forecasts that possession claims could reach around 30,500 by the end of 2026.

The latest available court figures also indicate that the median time from a possession claim being issued to repossession now stands at 26.4 weeks. This highlights the importance for letting agents and landlords to manage the process effectively and ensure all procedures are correctly followed.

LegalforLandlords states that the increased demand for Section 8 support reflects how quickly agents and landlords are recognising the changes brought by the Renters’ Rights Act. The company emphasises that Section 8 is now a core part of landlord protection, and agents are putting the right support in place to adapt to the new market conditions.

For UK letting agents and inventory clerks, these developments underline the need to stay informed about the latest legal requirements and to provide robust support to landlords throughout the possession process.