The time it takes for landlords to make repossession claims rises

It now takes private landlords an average of 22.5 weeks from making a claim to the courts for a property to be repossessed to it actually happening, up from 21.6 weeks since the beginning of the year.

The time it takes for private landlords to make a repossession claim to the courts has risen by nearly one week since the beginning of the year, The Ministry of Justice’s Mortgage and Landlord Possession Statistics have shown.

It now takes private landlords an average of 22.5 weeks from making a claim to the courts for a property to be repossessed to it actually happening, up from 21.6 weeks since the beginning of the year.

John Stewart, policy manager for the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) said: “Today’s figures show that the courts are unable to cope when landlords seek to repossess properties for legitimate reasons.

“With proposals to scrap Section 21 repossessions set to lead to a significant increase in cases brought to the courts, it is now a matter of urgency that the government brings forward its plans for court reform.

“This requires a fully funded, properly staffed, dedicated housing court that can bring rapid justice for landlords and tenants. Tinkering with the existing system will not be good enough.”