Government Highlights Benefits of Digital Court System for Landlords

The UK government has emphasised that a digitised court system will support landlords in managing possession claims, particularly with the anticipated increase in cases following the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. In a written parliamentary response, Labour’s Baroness Levitt outlined that the new digital service will enable landlords to file possession claims online, streamlining the process and reducing administrative delays.

Baroness Levitt stated: “The most recent published statistics show that claim to possession order median timeliness is currently 7.6 weeks, an improvement from the same period in 2024, and within the eight weeks set out in the Civil Procedure Rules.” She added that HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) will introduce additional sitting days and administrative resources to ensure courts can handle the expected rise in possession cases.

The digital platform will provide an online route for making and responding to possession claims, filing documents, and receiving updates and outcomes. This is intended to improve user experience through guided journeys and reduce time spent on printing, posting, and handling paper forms.

Concerns Over Court Readiness and Lack of Detailed Information

Despite government assurances, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has expressed concerns about the lack of clarity regarding how courts will be prepared for the digital possession process. Ben Beadle, NRLA chief executive, highlighted that while the Housing Minister has acknowledged the importance of court readiness, the government has yet to define what this entails.

Beadle said: “Without that clarity, it is unclear what the planned digitisation of possession cases is intended to deliver or how success will be measured.” He also noted uncertainty about the practical experience for tenants and landlords, as well as the extent to which the digital system will speed up legitimate possession claims.

The Master of the Rolls has indicated that the first iteration of the new digital platform is expected to be released in late Spring 2026, but detailed information about its functionality remains limited.

What This Means for UK Landlords

For landlords and letting agents, the move towards a digital possession claims system promises a more efficient and user-friendly process, potentially reducing delays caused by paperwork and manual handling. However, the current lack of detailed information on court readiness and the digital platform’s features means landlords should remain cautious and stay informed as developments unfold.

It will be important for landlords to monitor updates from HMCTS and industry bodies to understand how the new system will affect possession claim procedures and timelines once the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is implemented.

Background: Renters’ Rights Act and Court Workload

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is expected to increase the volume of possession claims as it introduces new regulations affecting landlord and tenant relationships. The government’s plan to digitise court processes aims to manage this increased workload more effectively, but the success of this initiative depends on clear communication and adequate preparation within the court system.

Suggested internal link anchors

• Renters’ Rights Act 2025
• possession claims process
• HM Courts and Tribunals Service
• digital court services
• court readiness for landlords
• National Residential Landlords Association
• possession order timelines
• landlord legal responsibilities
• county court possession claims
• property management legal updates

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/