Delays in the court system undermine the private rented sector, says agents’ body Propertymark.
It claims figures from a range of sources show what it calls “significant waits” at every stage of the possession process.
In some cases, delays are leading to substantial financial losses, with reports suggesting landlords can lose thousands of pounds while waiting for hearings and enforcement.
The body says this mirrors its own evidence that the court system is no longer providing a reliable route to regain possession when things go wrong.
Propertymark research shows that the average time from claim to repossession has risen to over 68 weeks, compared to just over 20 weeks in 2019.
“Such delays create uncertainty for landlords and agents, particularly where tenants have stopped paying rent or where properties have been damaged” says the agents group.
Operational issues, including administrative backlogs, adjournments, and delays in bailiff enforcement, are not new, but the latest data confirms they are becoming more entrenched.
The body continues: “A lack of investment and reform in the court system is a key driver of these issues.
“Without adequate resourcing, landlords and tenants are both left waiting for outcomes, costs will increase, and disputes will be prolonged. .
“Access to justice is a critical part of a functioning private rented sector.
“Landlords must be confident they can recover their property quickly, when necessary, otherwise confidence in the market will decline.
“Delays are not just an administrative issue; they have real financial consequences. Landlords may face months of lost rent, ongoing mortgage payments, and legal costs, while agents must manage increasingly complex and prolonged cases.
“At the point of eviction, average unpaid rent stands at £12,708 across England and Wales, and £19,223 in London, which underscores higher exposure where rents are highest.
“This level of risk is likely to deter investment in the sector and reduce the supply of rental homes.
“Propertymark has consistently warned that if landlords cannot rely on the courts, they may reconsider remaining in the PRS, adding further pressure on housing supply.”
Now it is demanding four actions from government:
- Greater resourcing for the court system;
- Digitisation of possession claims to speed up administration;
- The introduction of a specialist Housing Tribunal; and
• ⁃ An automatic right to transfer cases to High Court Enforcement Officers.
