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Recent data has highlighted a growing crisis for landlords seeking to regain possession of their properties, as delays in the legal system reach unprecedented levels. The Sunday Times and The Telegraph recently reported on the dire state of the eviction process, with landlords facing waiting periods of up to six months due to severe bailiff shortages and court backlogs. Landlord Action has been featured as a key source in the reports, shedding light on just how strained the system has become.
Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action, described the situation as "completely unacceptable," with some landlords being told they must wait until January 2025 to regain possession of their properties after initially applying for eviction in mid-2023. These extensive delays are eroding confidence in the court system, making it harder for landlords to manage their investments and leading many to reconsider their place in the rental market.
In a recent case highlighted by The Telegraph, a landlord in north-east London applied to evict a problem tenant in July 2023 but was informed that an eviction date wouldn't be possible until early 2025. Such examples highlight the growing challenges landlords are facing due to the critical shortage of bailiffs - a problem exacerbated by the backlog in county courts, which is now affecting many across the country.
Ministry of Justice data reveals that the average time to regain possession of a property after filing a repossession claim has risen to 24.5 weeks, up from 23 weeks during the same period last year. However, the reality on the ground, as Landlord Action reports, is that actual waiting times in many areas – such as east London – are significantly higher, stretching to over 18 months in some instances.
The Telegraph Money campaign, which has called on the Government to rethink its approach to property investors, echoes the sentiments expressed by many in the sector. Current proposals by the Labour party, which include the abolition of Section 21 "no-fault" evictions, could mean even longer waiting periods for landlords to regain possession, pushing many to consider exiting the market altogether. These changes are being introduced at a time when rents have risen by an average of 8.4% across the UK, and by 9.8% in London alone, adding to the challenges for both landlords and tenants.
Landlord Action has consistently advocated for reforms that make the eviction process fairer and more efficient for all parties involved. Shamplina emphasises the urgent need for the Government to address the bailiff employment crisis and invest in the court system to guarantee landlords are not left in an untenable position, waiting for months - or even years - to regain control of their own properties. To read more about the current situation and to understand how these challenges are impacting landlords, you can find the original Telegraph article here. It is vital that landlords stay informed and understand the potential implications of the ongoing court backlogs and proposed legislative changes.
At Landlord Action, we're committed to keeping landlords informed and supported during these turbulent times. If you're currently facing delays or need advice on how to navigate the eviction process, please get in touch with our team. We continue to push for systemic improvements that protect landlords' rights while making sure the rental market remains stable and accessible.
The system may be under strain, but with the right guidance and advocacy, landlords can navigate these challenges. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor the situation and work towards practical solutions for landlords across the country.
To make sure you keep up to date on all the changes that are coming to the private rented sector, subscribe to LandlordZONE and visit Total Landlord’s Renters’ Rights Bill hub.
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