Government Data on Landlord Possession Claims: Essential Insights for 2024

Rise in Landlord Possession Claims

Recent statistics reveal a significant uptick in landlord possession claims compared to last year. The total number of claims rose from 23,389 to 24,874, marking a 6% increase. Orders also saw a rise from 17,644 to 18,154 (3%), while warrants escalated from 10,503 to 11,407 (9%). Repossessions increased from 6,501 to 6,864, reflecting a 6% uptick. This trend emphasizes the growing difficulties landlords are encountering in reclaiming their properties.

Surge in Accelerated Procedures

Accelerated procedures have experienced notable growth across all categories: claims are up by 7%, orders by 5%, warrants by 15%, and repossessions by 13% compared to the previous year. This trend highlights the necessity for landlords to remain proactive and updated on changing legal standards.

Lengthening Court Timescales

The average duration from claim to repossession has now extended to 24.1 weeks, an increase from 22.4 weeks in 2023. This change illustrates ongoing challenges within the judicial system that impact landlords seeking prompt resolutions.

Detailed Timeline Analysis

The time taken to complete landlord actions has increased for both orders and warrants this quarter, following a general decline since Q3 2021. Current timelines are as follows:

• Claims to Order: The median duration has risen to 8.1 weeks, a 0.4-week increase from the same period last year.

• Claims to Warrant: Median time has grown to 16.1 weeks, up from 15.3 weeks in the previous year.

• Claims to Repossessions: Median duration has increased to 24.1 weeks, compared to 22.4 weeks last year.

Regional Insights: London at the Forefront

Possession claims have risen across all regions, with both private and social landlord claims concentrated heavily in London. The borough of Barking and Dagenham has the highest rate of private landlord possession claims, with 844 claims per 100,000 private landlord households.

Private Landlord Repossession Rates by Region

From January to March 2024, the regions with the highest rates of private landlord repossessions per 100,000 households are:

• Burnley: 196 per 100,000 households

• Newham: 173 per 100,000 households

• Bexley: 171 per 100,000 households

Bailiff Actions

Five of the top ten boroughs with the highest rates of private landlord repossessions are located in London. Burnley, Newham, and Bexley are particularly notable for their high levels of eviction activity.

Issues with Court Delays

Court delays can be exceptionally frustrating for landlords who may have already faced lengthy waits for possession dates. According to the Civil Procedure Rules, a possession claim must be resolved within a minimum of 28 days and a maximum of 8 weeks from filing. However, as the statistics indicate, landlords may experience even longer waits.

Impact of Abolishing Section 21 Notices

The recent abolition of Section 21 Notices raises concerns about the added pressure on the court system. All accelerated claims now require a hearing, further burdening an already strained judicial system. The Labour Government has yet to address the backlog of possession claims or expedite the eviction process, focusing instead on the swift elimination of Section 21 Notices.

The Necessity for Quality Legal Guidance

Given the ongoing delays, it is crucial for landlords to seek reliable and timely legal advice to ensure their claims move efficiently through the court system. Errors in documentation or insufficient evidence supporting the grounds for possession can lead to costly delays and complications.