24th
Jul 2023
Agents and landlords eviction hearings in Q1 this year are 16 per cent higher than last year according to an analysis of government figures by a property software firm.
The latest statistics from the Ministry of Justice shows that between January and March 6,820 landlords started eviction hearings.
Since the government’s announcement of banning Section 21 notices in 2019 almost 61,000 no-fault evictions landlord repossession court hearings according to the property software firm.
The Renters Reform Bill which will abolish Section 21 eviction powers will mean landlords and lettings agents will have to serve a notice and then needs to wait for the county court to approve the eviction, issue a warrant and finally book an eviction date.
But of course there is the present situation of tribunals and county courts being heavily overburdened causing current waiting times for repossessions to be more than 12 months before a hearing appears before a court.
A spokesman for the firm, says: “It is vital that agents ensure they present the courts with a pack of succinct information that is clear and unambiguous to minimise further delays and secure the desired outcome.
“No-fault eviction cases will require absolute ‘proof’ that the tenant is at fault.
“It is likely that under the new rent reforms, no-fault eviction cases will require absolute ‘proof’ that the tenant is at fault,”
A solicitor, says: “With the end of no-fault evictions on the horizon, landlords will need to prove the grounds they wish to rely on in court to gain possession.
“It’s no longer just about following a strict process. Tenants will have the opportunity to respond and will often have the support of well-trained advocates who can pick apart a weak or poorly presented case.”
News Archive »