Courts face possession crisis as Renters’ Rights Bill looms – NRLA

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has raised concerns about the preparedness of the courts to manage possession cases following the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions under the Renters’ Rights Bill.

New data from the Ministry of Justice reveals a worsening situation, with landlords now waiting an average of more than seven months (32.5 weeks) to reclaim properties through legal channels, up from 29.8 weeks last year.

The extended delays highlight, the NRLA, says, a growing disconnect between government assurances and the reality faced by landlords.

Housing Minister Baroness Taylor recently stated in the House of Lords that possession cases take just eight weeks on average.

However, this figure only accounts for the time from filing a claim to securing a possession order, ignoring the lengthy process of recovering a property, which often stretches beyond six months.

An eternity to evict

The NRLA’s chief executive, Ben Beadle, said: “Ministers are either unaware of the true state of the courts or are refusing to admit it.

“Their claims that the courts will be ‘ready’ for the impact of the Renters’ Rights Bill simply do not stack up.

“Seven months is an eternity for responsible landlords who may be dealing with serious rent arrears and for neighbours having to endure anti-social behaviour.”

He added: “The government must stop burying its head in the sand and commit to a fully funded, detailed and deliverable plan to ensure the courts are fit for purpose.

“Without this, landlord confidence will continue to erode, undermining investment in supplying the rental homes that tenants desperately need.”

Strained court system for possessions

With the Renters’ Rights Bill set to eliminate ‘no-fault’ evictions, landlords will increasingly depend on an already strained court system for possession.

The NRLA warns that without significant reforms, confidence in the judicial process could collapse, deterring investment in rental properties and exacerbating the housing shortage for tenants.

A recent NRLA survey of 1,400 landlords found that 96% lack faith in the courts’ ability to handle the expected surge in cases once the legislation takes effect.

The organisation is now calling for a ‘credible plan’ to be published with clear standards for ‘court readiness’, along with funding to ensure there are no delays.

The NRLA also wants a commitment to transparency through regular reporting on court performance.