Ending an assured shorthold tenancy: section 21 notes

Landlords will welcome a Court of Appeal decision that resolves the previous uncertainty as to which type of section 21 notice should be served once a fixed term assured shorthold tenancy (AST) has expired and the tenant remains in occupation on a statutory periodic tenancy.

The court confirmed that it is no longer necessary to comply with the additional requirements of section 21(4) if the fixed term tenancy has expired and the tenant is in occupation on a statutory periodic tenancy. As a notice under section 21(1) does not have to expire on a particular date, this will make service of notices easier.