Letting agents are fast adapting to the new Section 8 landscape, with 87 agency brands joining Section 8 support in the eight weeks since the Renters' Rights Act came into force. This significant shift reflects the growing demand for specialist advice as landlords increasingly rely on the revised possession process.
According to the latest court data, private landlord possession claims reached 7,629 during the first quarter of 2026, up 11.1% on the previous quarter and 4% higher than a year earlier. LegalforLandlords forecasts that possession claims could reach around 30,500 by the end of the year.
Section 8 has become the primary route for landlords seeking possession following the abolition of Section 21 in May. This process allows landlords to regain possession where specific legal grounds exist, including rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, property damage or other breaches of a tenancy agreement.
Sim Sekhon, group CEO at LegalforLandlords, commented that the market is rapidly adapting to the reality of Section 8 becoming the centre of the possession process. He believes that agents and landlords are recognising that the rules of the game have changed.
The opportunity for agents is significant, with the most successful agents being those who can protect landlords when problems arise through better advice, stronger partnerships and a clear understanding of the possession process.