New Ministry of Justice statistics reveal that landlord eviction cases have increased by 21% since the Renters' Rights Act came into force. This rise in possession claims comes despite the abolition of Section 21 'no fault' evictions.
The figures also show a 68% surge in accelerated possession claims during the same period, as reported by the Law Society. Legal professionals are now calling for urgent reforms to the court system.
Brett Dixon, President of the Law Society, stated that courts lack adequate resources to manage the anticipated increase in possession cases resulting from the new legislation. He noted that concerns about court capacity were raised as the Bill passed through Parliament.
The Renters' Rights Act introduced significant changes to the rental sector, ending no-fault evictions and implementing tighter controls on landlord repossessions. Dixon also observed that many landlords moved to repossess properties before the new regulations took effect.
The Law Society is urging the Government to act quickly to ensure courts receive necessary resources. They believe this will prevent further delays and protect the rights of both landlords and tenants, who may otherwise be left in a state of limbo.