London’s renters face eviction surge because of rising costs not behaviour

A leading law firm has raised concerns about a sharp rise in landlord possession claims across London, pointing to a cost-of-living crisis facing renters – and not their behaviour.

Higgs LLP says that despite falling property prices in the capital, tenants are struggling to cope with escalating rents, stagnant wages and persistent inflation.

These factors are pushing many tenants to the brink of financial collapse, it warns.

It isn’t bad behaviour

The firm’s partner and head of property litigation, Nyree Applegarth, said: “The sharp rise in landlord possession actions highlights how a growing number of tenants are falling into arrears or breaching tenancy terms.

“But this isn’t simply bad behaviour; it’s systemic pressure forcing renters to be backed into a corner — an expensive one at that.”

She added: “Even with a 7% price drop, London’s average flat still costs over £544,000.

“For many, these prices are unsustainable during a cost-of-living crisis.”

Tenants are struggling

Ms Applegarth continued: “Landlords often rely on rental income to cover costs or generate a liveable return, but many tenants simply can’t keep up.

“Without change and more support, we’ll continue to see a surge in evictions and formal possession actions.”

According to the firm’s analysis of government statistics, landlord possession claims in 2024 reached 98,797, a 5% rise from 94,211 in 2023.

Other metrics highlight possession orders increasing by 7% to 74,260, warrants jumping 11% to 45,219 and repossessions climbed 10% to 27,753.

These figures, the firm says, underscore the mounting economic pressures on both tenants and landlords.

Capital’s eviction hotspot

The law firm says that Barking and Dagenham stand out as a hotspot for evictions, leading the capital in landlord possession claims.

Despite a 7% drop in London’s average property price to £683,821, as reported by Rightmove, rents have continued to climb.

Zoopla data shows the average monthly rent in London rose 4.2% to £2,121, making it the UK’s priciest rental market.

In Barking and Dagenham, rents hit £1,568 per month, while property prices bucked the citywide trend, rising 7.8% to £363,000.

With local salaries averaging £34,430—1.9% below the national average, residents face an acute affordability crisis.