Landlord eviction cases have increased 21% since the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, according to new quarterly statistics from the Ministry of Justice, prompting legal professionals to call for urgent court system reforms.
The figures, which represent the first comprehensive data on landlord activity under the reformed system, show a significant rise in possession claims despite the abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions. Accelerated possession claims surged 68% during the same period, the Law Society reports.
Court capacity concerns
Brett Dixon, President of the Law Society, said the courts lack adequate resources to handle the anticipated increase in possession cases resulting from the legislation. “This is despite concerns being raised about court capacity as the Bill passed through Parliament,” he stated.
The Renters’ Rights Act introduced substantial changes to the rental sector, ending no-fault evictions and implementing tighter controls on landlord repossessions. Dixon noted that many landlords moved to repossess properties before the new regulations took effect.
The court system challenges mirror broader regulatory shifts affecting the property sector, including recent government reforms to leasehold service charges. These changes come as first-time buyer mortgage costs have risen 41% over the past decade, adding pressure across multiple segments of the housing market.
Funding requirements
“Without adequate funding, the courts will continue to struggle with backlogs and delays, leaving both landlords and tenants in a state of limbo,” Dixon said. He urged the Government to act quickly to ensure courts receive necessary resources to prevent further delays and protect the rights of both parties.
The Law Society is calling for immediate investment in court capacity to address the growing caseload and reduce processing times for possession claims under the new legislative framework.
