Courts struggling to cope as possession claims rise
Summary
Ministry of Justice quarterly figures show a sharp rise in private landlord possession claims, with the first data set to fully reflect the post-Renters’ Rights Act regime and the end of section 21 evictions. The Law Society says the court system is not resourced to handle the increased workload, contributing to longer delays, including for mortgage possession cases.
Why it matters
Surveyors involved in residential valuation, landlord work or possession-related instructions may see more cases affected by court delays and transitional pressures. The changes also signal a wider shift in the legal and operational environment for rented housing, which can influence asset management and transaction timing.
Key points
- Private landlord possession claims rose 21% year on year to 28,249.
- Accelerated possession claims increased 68%, likely linked to the transitional period after the Act.
- The Law Society says courts are under-resourced and backlogs are worsening.
- Mortgage possession cases are taking longer, averaging 52 weeks.
- Landlord repossessions fell 10%, though the median time to possession also fell slightly.
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