## Court Eviction Delays Reach Critical Levels

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has raised serious concerns about the escalating delays in court possession proceedings across England and Wales. Ministry of Justice figures indicate that in 2025, it took courts an average of more than eight months to process and enforce landlord possession claims. This is the second longest turnaround time recorded since 2005, only surpassed by delays caused by pandemic restrictions.

Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the NRLA, described the data as a “stark and final warning” to the government, emphasising the urgent need to strengthen the court system before it becomes overwhelmed. He highlighted that fewer possession cases are taking longer to resolve, signalling a growing backlog that will only worsen with the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act reforms in May 2026.

## Impact of the Renters’ Rights Act on Court Backlogs

The Renters’ Rights Act is expected to increase pressure on the courts by removing Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, meaning all possession claims will require landlords to prove grounds such as rent arrears under Section 8. The NRLA warns that without urgent government action, the justice system will struggle to cope with the additional demand.

Beadle stated: “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 called for ministers to set clear targets for reducing court waiting times, warning that without improvements, responsible landlords will be “left powerless” to address rent arrears or anti-social behaviour affecting communities.

## Decline in Landlord Possession Cases but Longer Processing Times

Analysis of Ministry of Justice data shows that landlord possession cases issued in 2025 fell to 91,093 from 98,766 in 2024. Section 8 claims, which require landlords to evidence specific grounds such as rent arrears, dropped by nearly 5%, while Section 21 filings decreased by almost 13%. Despite fewer cases being brought, the time taken to conclude these claims has increased significantly.

This trend suggests that court resources are stretched, resulting in slower processing and enforcement of possession orders. The delays pose practical challenges for landlords trying to manage arrears or regain possession of properties in a timely manner.

## Calls for Judicial Readiness and Investment

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook has previously emphasised that judicial readiness is “essential” for the success of the upcoming reforms. However, landlord representatives warn that years of underinvestment in the courts have led to record waiting times.

Paul Shamplina of Landlord Action told landlordassociation.org.uk: “Years of underinvestment in the courts are now translating into record waiting times for landlords. At the same time, the majority of landlords we act for are still relying on Section 21. Once that route is removed, every case will depend on a court process that is already under pressure.”

He further explained that the new rules will increase mandatory rent arrears thresholds from two to three months and extend notice periods to four weeks, resulting in longer timelines before landlords can secure possession orders. Even after an order is granted, enforcement delays can add several more months.

## What This Means for UK Landlords

The current and projected delays in court possession proceedings mean landlords face longer periods of uncertainty and financial risk. With the removal of Section 21 evictions, landlords will rely solely on court-backed possession claims, which are becoming increasingly protracted. This could hinder landlords’ ability to manage rent arrears effectively and address anti-social behaviour promptly, potentially impacting the wider community.

Urgent government intervention is needed to increase court capacity, reduce backlogs, and provide clear timelines for reform implementation. Without these measures, landlords may find themselves powerless to protect their investments and maintain safe, well-managed properties.

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Suggested internal link anchors

– landlord possession delays
– Renters’ Rights Act reforms
– Section 8 possession claims
– Section 21 eviction process
– court enforcement delays
– rent arrears management
– anti-social behaviour
– judicial readiness
– Ministry of Justice data
– landlord court claims
– possession order timelines
– landlord rights and responsibilities

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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/