## Landlord possession claims fall ahead of Section 21 eviction ban

Research from Inventory Base reveals that landlord possession claims in England decreased by 7.8% in 2025, with 91,093 claims issued compared to 98,766 in 2024. This reduction comes as the private rented sector prepares for the Renters’ Rights Act, which will come into force on 1 May 2026 and abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions.

The removal of Section 21 means landlords will no longer be able to repossess properties without proving fault. Instead, possession proceedings will rely on fault-based grounds and stricter evidential requirements, fundamentally changing the repossession landscape.

## Implications of the Section 21 abolition for landlords and agents

Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, Operations Director at Inventory Base, commented: “As the implementation date approaches, we may see an uptick in repossessions, but this isn’t only a landlord issue. Letting agents will be the ones managing the operational reality: increased scrutiny, more disputes and far greater reliance on inspection evidence.”

This highlights the growing importance of thorough property inspections, detailed inventories, and risk assessments. Consistent and regular inspections can help landlords and agents build stronger cases where fault-based possession is necessary.

Ms Hemming-Metcalfe also emphasised the benefits of fostering longer tenancies: “When tenants feel safe and settled, they are far more likely to stay long term. Longer tenancies reduce churn, minimise costly void periods, and cut the expense of repeated marketing and onboarding.” This approach may help landlords mitigate the challenges posed by the new possession rules.

## Quarterly possession claim volumes show recent fluctuations

Quarterly data from Inventory Base shows that possession claims averaged 23,553 per quarter in 2023, rose to 24,692 in 2024, and then fell to 22,773 in 2025. The firm suggests that any backlog of claims issued before the 1 May 2026 deadline will proceed under the current rules, but after this date, repossession will become more difficult due to the new legal framework.

Landlords and agents should prepare for this transition by reviewing their tenancy management practices and ensuring compliance with the forthcoming regulations.

## What it means for UK landlords

The decline in possession claims ahead of the Section 21 ban indicates a period of adjustment within the private rented sector. Landlords must adapt to a system where repossessions require fault-based grounds and robust evidence, increasing the administrative and legal burden.

Letting agents will play a crucial role in managing these changes, particularly through enhanced inspection regimes and dispute resolution. Preparing tenants for longer tenancies and maintaining clear, detailed records will be essential strategies to reduce the risk of possession disputes.

Suggested internal link anchors

– landlord possession claims
– Section 21 eviction ban
– Renters’ Rights Act
– fault-based possession grounds
– property inspections
– tenancy management
– longer tenancies
– void periods
– letting agents’ responsibilities
– possession claim volumes
– risk assessments
– repossession procedures

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/