The British courts system is not ready to handle a potential surge of cases from the Renters Rights Bill, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has warned.
The landlord advocacy body has used new Ministry of Justice data to highlight that efficiency is worsening in the courts, with landlords now waiting longer to regain property through the courts.
In the first quarter of 2025, the average time between a landlord submitting a claim and regaining legitimate possession was over seven months.
The current average waiting period of 32.5 weeks has increased from the average of 29.8 weeks a year ago.
The Renters Rights Bill aims to abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions.
Without these powers, landlords will be more likely to take their tenant disputes to court.
The NRLA is now urging the government to reform the courts as “a matter of urgency”, arguing that lengthy delays and uncertainty in the courts will have repercussions for responsible landlords.
“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,” said Ben Beadle, CEO at the NRLA.
“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.”
