What does an Eviction Support Group do?

An Eviction Support Group provides court accompaniment so you do not face hearings alone, monitoring to prevent landlord harassment, fundraising to help with legal costs and moving expenses, direct action to peacefully resist unlawful evictions, and campaigns to hold local politicians accountable for housing justice. Food & Solidarity has helped prevent multiple families in Newcastle from becoming homeless, including Grace's family, Dennis's family, and Pauline.

What is the Renters Rights Act and when does Section 21 end?

The Renters Rights Act will ban Section 21 no-fault evictions from 1 May 2026. It also prohibits rent bidding wars, introduces Awaab's Law requiring landlords to fix hazards quickly, and sets stricter Decent Homes Standards for private rentals. However, landlords can still evict tenants using Section 8 with valid grounds such as rent arrears, selling the property, moving in themselves, or antisocial behaviour. All tenancies will become periodic (rolling). The abolition of Section 21 is a significant win, but organised tenants who know their rights will matter more than ever. See foodandsolidarity.org/renters-rights-act-newcastle.

What if my landlord is harassing me during eviction?

Landlord harassment is illegal. Document everything: save texts and emails, keep a diary of incidents. Report harassment to your local council environmental health team and consider reporting to police if threats are made. Contact Food & Solidarity on 07393 101018 for immediate practical support and community monitoring.

How long does a Section 21 eviction take in the UK?

A Section 21 eviction typically takes 3 to 6 months from notice to actual eviction: at least 2 months minimum notice period, then the landlord applies to court for a possession order (2 to 8 weeks), then a court hearing (2 to 4 weeks wait), then 14 days to 6 weeks given to leave after the court order. Bailiffs cannot evict without a court order. This time is valuable for organising collective support and challenging the notice. Call Food & Solidarity on 07393 101018 as early as possible.

The Frontlines of the Eviction Support Group — Food & Solidarity Newcastle | Community Support, Housing Rights & Food Parcels

Grace standing outside Newcastle County Court with her two adult children and Food & Solidarity Eviction Support Group members after a court hearing in her Section 21 eviction case

Grace with her children and Eviction Support Group members outside Newcastle County Court

What is a Section 21 Eviction?

A Section 21 eviction allows landlords in England to evict tenants without giving any reason. Even if you pay rent on time, keep the property in good condition, and have never caused problems, your landlord can serve notice with just 2 months to leave. This is what happened to Grace and her family in Newcastle.

A Section 21 notice is also frequently invalid. It is invalid if your landlord has not protected your deposit, has not provided a gas safety certificate or EPC, has not given you the government's How to Rent guide, or has served the notice after you reported disrepair. See our full eviction help guide for the complete validity checklist.

Section 21 Is Being Abolished: 1 May 2026

The Renters' Rights Act will ban Section 21 no-fault evictions from 1 May 2026. If you receive a Section 21 notice today, abolition may arrive before your case reaches court. Once the law changes, landlords must use Section 8 with specific legal grounds.

More security: landlords must provide a valid reason to evict
All tenancies become periodic (rolling)
But evictions will still happen under Section 8 grounds
Landlords can still evict for rent arrears, selling, moving in, or antisocial behaviour

Whether facing Section 21 now or Section 8 after May 2026, you need support. Call Food & Solidarity: 07393 101018. Read the full guide: what the Renters' Rights Act means for Newcastle tenants.

A Family Under Siege: Grace's Story Begins

Grace and her family's nightmare began in 2022 when they received a Section 21 notice despite being model tenants who paid their rent on time every month. Their landlord had neglected crucial repairs for months, leaving them with water leaks causing damp and mould, rat infestations posing health risks, and dangerous living conditions despite repeated ignored repair requests.

Yet instead of addressing these issues, the landlord escalated their harassment with relentless texts and phone calls urging Grace and her family to leave immediately. The emotional toll was immense, pushing Grace into a terrifying game of chicken with homelessness.

If you are in a similar position, reporting disrepair before receiving a Section 21 may mean the notice is a revenge eviction and legally invalid. See our housing disrepair guide. The Jan Forster Estates case is another example: Sarah also faced a Section 21 after reporting disrepair, and won.

"Every morning I woke up not knowing if today would be the day we'd lose our home. The fear was constant."

Grace

Legal Battles: Facing Newcastle County Court

The Court Hearing: Standing Alone Against the System

When the eviction case went to Newcastle County Court for a possession hearing, Grace had no legal representation due to conflicts of interest: the local legal aid solicitors were already working for her landlord. This is where Food & Solidarity's Eviction Support Group stepped in.

Although members could not provide legal advice, Food & Solidarity members attended court in a powerful show of solidarity, ensuring Grace did not face the battle alone.

What the Eviction Support Group Provided:

Court accompaniment: Fred sat with Grace throughout the hearing
Emotional support: Lorna waited outside, offering reassurance
Immediate fundraising: campaign launched to cover court costs
Community pressure: members contacted local politicians
Monitoring group: protection from landlord harassment

The Court's Decision

Despite Grace's heartfelt appeal, the judge granted the possession order, imposed £1,315 in court fees on Grace (shared with landlord), and granted 6 weeks to find housing. Food & Solidarity's fundraising campaign mobilised immediately to help cover these costs.

"On seeing that we have exceeded our total, I have to admit, the emotions came back to life. I was just as overwhelmed as the tears poured down my face as they are again now writing this. But what you people have done for my family, with your compassion, empathy, generosity and solidarity, is halt that downward spiral in its tracks."

Grace, reflecting on the community support

Grace Speaks Out: Demanding Political Action

Grace testified to Newcastle politicians about the housing crisis, demanding they take action to protect tenants:

Community Action: Newcastle Rallies Behind Grace

As eviction day approached, Food & Solidarity took direct action:

Monitoring groups: members provided protection from potential landlord harassment
Eviction resistance planning: ready to peacefully resist any unlawful actions
Political pressure: marched on local councillors who ignored pleas for help
Fundraising: raised money for court costs and moving expenses
Practical support: helped with housing applications and council interactions

Grace's case is one of several where Food & Solidarity has mobilised Newcastle members to resist eviction. See also Dennis's case, where members trained in Leazes Park to resist a council eviction, and the Sarah / Jan Forster Estates case.

Down to the Wire: Playing Chicken with Homelessness

Grace's situation became a terrifying race against time. Adding to this stress was the struggle to secure housing for her disabled child, who faced discrimination from the Housing Advice Centre. Despite multiple attempts to apply for assistance, Grace's child was repeatedly denied help, compounding the family's crisis.

The Reality of Eviction in Newcastle:

Families facing eviction often experience difficulty accessing emergency housing, discrimination against families with disabilities, inadequate support from housing services, mental health impacts from constant uncertainty, and financial strain from court costs and moving expenses.

If you are facing any of these situations, call 07393 101018 or read our eviction help guide and bailiff rights guide.

Victory: Securing Housing at the Last Moment

In a dramatic turn of events, Grace's family managed to secure new housing just days before the eviction deadline. The support of Food & Solidarity's Eviction Support Group was crucial in preventing the family from being forced into homelessness.

However, Grace's child still faced uncertainty in securing permanent accommodation, a stark reminder of how broken the system remains for disabled people and vulnerable families in Newcastle.

What's Changing: The Renters' Rights Act (May 2026)

From 1 May 2026, the UK government will ban Section 21 no-fault evictions through the Renters' Rights Act. This marks a significant shift. But evictions will not end.

What the Renters' Rights Act Includes:

Ban on Section 21 no-fault evictions from 1 May 2026
All tenancies become periodic (rolling)
Ban on rent bidding wars
Awaab's Law extended to cover private landlords
Stricter Decent Homes Standards for the private rental sector
Tenants can challenge excessive rent increases at tribunal

But Evictions Will Still Happen

Landlords can still evict using Section 8: persistent rent arrears, selling the property (new Ground 1A, after 12 months with 4 months notice), landlord or family moving in, and antisocial behaviour. Rent rises remain unchecked, which can function as a de facto eviction mechanism.

What This Means for Newcastle Tenants:

You will have greater security than under Section 21, but landlords who want tenants out will use Section 8 grounds. The process will be longer and more complex. Organised tenants who understand their rights are in a stronger position than ever. Read our full guide: what the Renters' Rights Act means for Newcastle tenants and our analysis of what it does and does not change.

Whether facing Section 21 now or Section 8 after May 2026, Food & Solidarity provides court accompaniment, monitoring, and collective action. Call 07393 101018.

A Battle Won, but the War Continues

Though Grace and her family won this battle, the broader fight for housing justice continues across Newcastle and the UK. Their story shows that when communities come together, they can resist and ultimately overcome the systemic injustices that threaten their homes.

Food & Solidarity continues to run an Eviction Support Group, support members facing housing crisis, and campaign for the structural changes that would make these battles unnecessary. Read more about our campaigns and victories: what Food & Solidarity has won in Newcastle.

Join Newcastle's Eviction Support Group

Members continue organising around eviction resistance and housing justice in Newcastle. Whether through membership or participating in direct action, you can make a difference.

Together, our Eviction Support Group ensures that no family has to face eviction alone.

Join Food & Solidarity Call for Help: 07393 101018

Frequently Asked Questions About Section 21 Evictions

What is a Section 21 eviction in the UK?

Section 21 is a no-fault eviction where landlords can evict tenants without providing any reason. The landlord must give at least 2 months notice. Section 21 is being abolished from 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act. A Section 21 notice is also frequently invalid and can be challenged. See our full eviction help guide.

How can I fight a Section 21 eviction in Newcastle?

Check if the notice is valid (deposit protected, gas safety certificate, EPC, How to Rent guide all provided). If the notice followed a repair complaint, it may be a revenge eviction. Contact Food & Solidarity on 07393 101018 for court accompaniment and collective support. Apply to Newcastle City Council as homeless. See our full guide to eviction help in Newcastle.

What does the Eviction Support Group do?

Court accompaniment, monitoring to prevent landlord harassment, fundraising for legal costs and moving expenses, direct action to resist unlawful evictions, and political campaigns for housing justice. Food & Solidarity has helped prevent multiple Newcastle families from becoming homeless, including Grace, Dennis, and Pauline.

How can I get help with eviction in Newcastle?

Call Food & Solidarity on 07393 101018 or visit 120-126 Buckingham St, Newcastle NE4 5QR. Also contact Newcastle City Council housing services (0191 278 7878), Citizens Advice Newcastle (0808 278 7868), and Shelter England. See foodandsolidarity.org/eviction-help-newcastle.

How long does a Section 21 eviction take?

Typically 3 to 6 months from notice to actual eviction: 2 months minimum notice, then possession claim (2 to 8 weeks), then court hearing (2 to 4 weeks), then 14 days to 6 weeks after the court order. Bailiffs cannot evict without a court order. Use this time to organise. Call us early: 07393 101018.

What if my landlord is harassing me?

Landlord harassment is illegal. Document everything: save texts and emails, keep a diary of incidents. Report to your council environmental health team. Contact Food & Solidarity on 07393 101018 for immediate practical support. See our bailiff rights guide if enforcement agents have been mentioned.