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The government is being urged to include investment in the civil court system in November’s Budget ahead of the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, with some of the biggest changes to the private rented sector due to take effect on 1 May 2026.
The call comes from property technology firm Reapit, as new Ministry of Justice figures show that the median time for landlords to progress from claim to repossession has risen to 27.4 weeks, up from 24.4 weeks a year earlier. This means landlords are now waiting more than six months on average to recover possession of their properties. The number of repossessions has also increased by 9% over the past year.
With the Renters’ Rights Act set to bring the most significant reforms to the rental market in decades — including the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions — Reapit warns that without urgent action to expand court capacity, delays are likely to worsen. The company cautions that extended timelines could create uncertainty for landlords and potentially deter continued investment in the private rented sector.
From May 2026, evictions will only be permitted where a tenant has breached a ground under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 or under the new provisions introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act. Each of these cases must be presented and proven before a court, further increasing the pressure on the already overstretched system.
Dr Neil Cobbold, commercial director at Reapit, said: “Agents are on the front line of these reforms, but the best agents are already being proactive in protecting their landlords by avoiding evictions.
“One of the biggest causes of evictions are tenant arrears, and managing that risk starts with tenant vetting, clear automated client accounting and arrears chasing, and having the time to build relationships with tenants, so they know who to turn to if they have issues paying the rent.
“But if these measures fail and an eviction is necessary, we need speedy action from the government to address worsening court delays. When landlords cannot regain possession quickly, it creates financial strain and reduces their confidence in the rental market. Longer timelines also affect tenants who may be stuck in unsuitable situations.
“With the Renters’ Rights Act being implemented from May next year, we will see more eviction cases in court as Section 21 will no longer be an option. Agents, landlords and tenants need confidence that the system can handle this, which requires urgent investment in court capacity.”
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