Shamplina Challenges Minister’s Claims on Faster ASB Evictions

Summary: Paul Shamplina of Landlord Action disputes the government’s claim that evicting anti-social tenants will become quicker following the abolition of Section 21 in May 2026. He highlights ongoing court delays and enforcement challenges that landlords will continue to face despite legislative changes.

Government’s Position on Anti-Social Behaviour Evictions

Justice Minister Sarah Sackman recently addressed Parliament regarding the government’s efforts to reduce court delays related to anti-social behaviour (ASB) eviction cases. However, rather than providing concrete solutions, she emphasised that less than 25% of possession claims proceed to enforcement. She also pointed to the Renters’ Rights Act, which will shorten the notice period for mandatory ASB eviction grounds.

According to the Minister, landlords will be able to initiate possession proceedings immediately after serving notice under the new mandatory possession grounds 7A or 14, which come into effect once Section 21 is abolished next May.

Shamplina’s Perspective: Practical Challenges Remain

Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action, cautions landlords not to be misled by the government’s optimistic assertions. He explains that while landlords may start proceedings sooner, the process will still depend on securing a court hearing date, which is often delayed. Shamplina points out that many landlords have historically relied on Section 21 as a fallback to manage anti-social tenants, but with its removal, the burden of evidence and court hearings will increase significantly.

“The new grounds will be evidence-based and go to a hearing,” Shamplina told LandlordZONE. “You may be able to start proceedings quicker, but you are relying on getting a hearing date. We’re expecting a big increase because of the ban on Section 21.”

Enforcement Delays and Bailiff Shortages

Securing a possession order is only part of the challenge. Shamplina emphasises the difficulty in obtaining eviction dates due to a severe shortage of bailiffs. He notes that co-tenants are often reluctant to provide evidence, complicating cases further. The current backlog means landlords can wait up to 15 months for an eviction date at some courts, such as Clerkenwell County Court, which Shamplina describes as “totally unacceptable” especially when dealing with anti-social tenants.

Calls for Expanded Enforcement Powers

In response to these challenges, Landlord Action, alongside organisations such as Propertymark, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), and the High Court Enforcement Officers Association, is advocating for high court enforcement officers to be authorised to carry out evictions. This measure aims to alleviate the backlog and expedite the eviction process for landlords.

Implications for Landlords

Landlords should be aware that despite legislative changes designed to streamline evictions for anti-social behaviour, practical obstacles remain. The abolition of Section 21 removes a relatively straightforward eviction route, replacing it with more complex, evidence-based procedures that require court hearings and face enforcement delays. Landlords must prepare for longer timelines and potential difficulties in gathering tenant evidence.

It is advisable for landlords to stay informed about the evolving legal landscape, maintain thorough documentation of any ASB incidents, and consider engaging legal professionals experienced in possession proceedings. Additionally, landlords should monitor developments regarding enforcement powers and bailiff availability, as these will directly impact the efficiency of eviction processes.

Conclusion

While the government promotes the Renters’ Rights Act as a means to facilitate quicker evictions for anti-social behaviour, Paul Shamplina’s insights reveal that systemic issues within the courts and enforcement services may undermine these intentions. Landlords should approach the upcoming changes with caution and realistic expectations, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Keywords: anti-social behaviour evictions, Renters’ Rights Act, Section 21 abolition, landlord eviction process, court delays, bailiff shortage, possession proceedings, landlord enforcement powers

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Meta Description: Paul Shamplina challenges government claims that evicting anti-social tenants will be quicker after Section 21 is abolished in May 2026, citing court delays and enforcement issues landlords must prepare for.