Landlord possession claims rose by almost 6% in the first quarter of 2026 ahead of the Renters Rights Act.

In the first three months of the year a total of 22,733 possession claims were issued. 

This marks a quarterly increase of 5.9% compared to Q4 2025.

This increase was driven by an 11.1% uptick in the number of private landlords issuing claims, while the number of claims from social landlords increased by 5%. 

Meanwhile, the number of accelerated repossession claims across both sectors rose by 1.7%.

The figures are notable because they follow a prolonged period of falling possession activity throughout much of 2025. 

Accelerated possession claims had fallen by more than 10% in Q4 2025 alone, before reversing course in the opening quarter of 2026 as landlords approached the implementation deadline for the new legislation.

One expert suggests the data may represent the final wave of Section 21 related possession activity before the Renters Rights Act fundamentally reshapes the private rented sector.

Sim Sekhon of LegalforLandlords, comments: “The timing of these increases is highly significant. 

“Landlords knew the Renters Rights Act was coming into force on May 1 and many clearly decided to act before the legislation changed the possession process permanently. 

“The sharp rise in private landlord claims strongly suggests many landlords accelerated possession proceedings while Section 21 was still available to them.

“Many landlords have spent the last year working to understand what the new rules mean for their ability to manage risk, deal with arrears and recover possession when necessary. These figures suggest a significant number decided not to wait.

“There continues to be a real concern within the sector that the reforms have reduced confidence among existing landlords and will go on to discourage future investment in rental housing at a time when supply is already under pressure.”