## Increasing Eviction Delays Threaten UK Landlords

Among the many challenges facing UK landlords, the growing delays in eviction proceedings are becoming the most pressing issue. Data reveals that the median time from submitting a possession claim to completing repossession has risen to over 27 weeks, nearly seven months. The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) reports an average court waiting time of 34 weeks, highlighting a worsening backlog even before the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) takes effect on 1 May 2026.

This legislation will eliminate Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, requiring landlords to pursue possession claims exclusively under Section 8 grounds such as rent arrears or anti-social behaviour. This change means every eviction will likely involve a contested hearing, removing the previously faster accelerated process.

## Impact of the Renters’ Rights Act on Eviction Processes

The RRA aims to strengthen tenant protections, but it will also increase the complexity and duration of eviction cases. Landlords will need to provide evidence to support possession claims, which will be scrutinised more thoroughly by courts. The NRLA warns that county courts currently lack sufficient judges, sitting days, and administrative resources to manage the anticipated surge in cases.

Digital reforms to improve court efficiency are planned, but the first phase is not expected until late spring 2026—too late to assist with the initial wave of RRA-related possession claims. This delay risks further extending eviction timelines.

## Tenant Challenges and Rent Increase Disputes

Tenants may exploit the system by requesting adjournments or raising counterclaims such as disrepair complaints, further prolonging proceedings. Additionally, the RRA introduces new tenant rights to challenge rent increases through the First-Tier Tribunal (FTT). Landlords can propose rent rises once a year, but tenants can object, triggering tribunal reviews that may delay rent increases by up to two months on hardship grounds.

With only 34 tribunal judges available, a surge in rent challenge cases could create significant backlogs, compounding financial uncertainty for landlords. This situation may lead to tenants routinely contesting rent rises to delay payments, adding pressure to landlords’ cash flow.

## Financial Strain and Landlord Responses

The extended eviction process will increase financial risks for landlords, especially smaller investors. While waiting for possession, landlords must continue to cover mortgage payments, insurance, and maintenance costs, often without rental income. Some landlords are already selling properties, fearing they cannot sustain prolonged disputes.

A recent petition calls for a six-week expedited process for mandatory Section 8/7A grounds (arrears and anti-social behaviour), a national database of court-evicted tenants to identify repeat offenders, and a higher deposit cap for severe damage. While many landlords support these measures, government reluctance to blame tenants may hinder their implementation.

## Preparing for the Challenges Ahead

The RRA’s introduction marks a significant shift in landlord-tenant relations, with potential unintended consequences such as reduced rental supply and increased rents. Landlords are advised to prepare by thoroughly vetting tenants, maintaining detailed records, and building emergency funds to cover extended void periods.

Professional management and legal advice may help mitigate risks in this more complex environment. Without urgent improvements to court capacity, the private rented sector risks further strain, and landlords may find the system increasingly difficult to navigate.

## Conclusion

The Renters’ Rights Act will exacerbate existing court delays, turning eviction into a lengthy and costly process for landlords. With possession claims already taking months, the new legal landscape demands careful preparation and adaptation. The government must address court backlogs promptly to prevent further disruption to the private rented sector.

Suggested internal link anchors
– Renters’ Rights Act
– Section 8 eviction process
– Section 21 eviction abolition
– NRLA eviction statistics
– First-Tier Tribunal rent challenges
– Landlord financial risks
– Tenant vetting best practices
– Court delays in possession claims
– Landlord petition for faster evictions
– Deposit cap for property damage
– Professional property management
– Private rented sector challenges

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/