When can a landlord issue a Section 21 Notice?

A Section 21 Notice allows a landlord to regain possession of their property under assured shorthold tenancy agreements. The correct answer indicates that a landlord can issue a Section 21 Notice only after the fixed-term tenancy has ended.

This is based on the legal framework surrounding residential tenancies in England and Wales, where a Section 21 Notice is typically served when a landlord wants to terminate a tenancy without needing to provide a specific reason, provided the requisite notice period is given. Specifically, it means that once the agreed term set out in the tenancy has expired, the landlord may formally notify the tenant of their intention to reclaim the property.

The timing is crucial—this notice cannot be served during the fixed term unless the tenant has breached the agreement, as it would undermine the security the tenants have during that period of their contract. Once the fixed term concludes, the landlord has the option to issue the notice, giving them flexibility in managing their property and ensuring they can reclaim it with minimal disruption after the agreed tenancy period.

The other options do not correctly reflect the statutory rules governing the Section 21 process, making them invalid in this context.