Possession Court Waiting Times Rise Despite Fewer Claims

Ministry of Justice statistics show that although possession claims under section 21 have fallen by 13%, the average waiting time for these cases has increased to over eight months. This growing backlog is a significant concern for landlords seeking possession of their properties.

Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), described the situation as “totally unacceptable” and warned, “If the backlog is increasing now, before the government’s reforms begin to bite in May, there is no hope that the system will be able to cope with what is to come.”

He urged the government to set clear targets for court waiting times, cautioning that without action, responsible landlords could be left “powerless to deal with crippling arrears or anti-social behaviour.”

Westminster Council Expands Enforcement Team for Selective Licensing

Westminster City Council has recruited 52 additional staff members to manage its selective licensing scheme, aiming to shift from reactive to proactive enforcement. The council has also introduced an online tool for reporting suspected unlicensed properties, intending to better support renters and improve housing standards across the borough.

A council spokesperson said, “Selective licensing has given us the ability to significantly expand our Private Renters Team, allowing us to move from reactive enforcement to a proactive approach that raises standards across Westminster.”

This expansion is in preparation for the Renters’ Rights Act, which comes into force on 1 May 2026. Other councils, such as Mansfield District Council, are similarly increasing staffing to enhance enforcement efforts.

Landlords Devote Significant Time to Property Management

A new report from Pegasus Insight reveals that landlords spend an average of 31 hours per month managing their rental properties, equivalent to four full working days. Those with 11 or more properties dedicate approximately 78 hours monthly, or ten days, to property management tasks.

Mark Long of Pegasus Insight commented, “As regulatory and operational requirements have increased, so too has the administrative and compliance workload.”

The report also highlights that using letting agents does not significantly reduce landlords’ workload, as “compliance, maintenance oversight and financial administration still sit squarely with the owner.”

Landlords estimate that 24% of their rental income is consumed by running and maintenance costs, reflecting growing time and cost pressures in the sector.

Rogue Landlord Fined Over £26,000 for Licensing Breaches

A First Tier Tribunal judge imposed a £26,486 fine on Ndumbe Achile Ndumbe for renting two properties without the required Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licences, producing fraudulent documents, and challenging the credibility of tenants’ witness statements.

Ndumbe claimed fewer than five occupants lived at the property, arguing no licence was needed. However, inspections by Wigan Council’s housing standards team disproved this, following verbal and written warnings. His appeal was subsequently rejected.

A council representative stated, “This case demonstrates that we can and will take action against people operating substandard housing in our borough.”

Additional Housing Sector News

• Lodger supply drops for the first time since 2020 amid rising rents
• England loses thousands of social homes as building fails to keep pace
• Poor council licensing practice risks double prosecutions, landlords warned
• Are councils trying to push landlords into breaking the rules?

What This Means for Landlords

The increase in court waiting times for possession claims means landlords may face longer delays in regaining possession of their properties, potentially exacerbating rent arrears and tenant-related issues. Proactive council enforcement, such as Westminster’s expanded team, signals a tougher regulatory environment ahead, especially with the Renters’ Rights Act commencing in May 2026.

Landlords should prepare for increased administrative demands and compliance responsibilities, as highlighted by the Pegasus Insight report. The significant time commitment required for property management underscores the importance of efficient systems and awareness of regulatory changes.

The substantial fine imposed on the rogue landlord serves as a clear warning that councils are actively pursuing enforcement against unlicensed and substandard rental properties, emphasising the need for landlords to maintain proper licensing and documentation.

Suggested internal link anchors

• possession claims
• section 21 possession
• court waiting times
• selective licensing enforcement
• Renters’ Rights Act
• property management time
• landlord compliance
• HMO licensing
• housing standards enforcement
• rental property fines
• landlord arrears
• tenant anti-social behaviour

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/