Landlords attempting to repossess properties are facing court hearing delays of up to 16 weeks in some parts of the country according to latest research from LegalforLandlords.
Analysis of internal data on possession cases shows the most overstretched courts include Birmingham; Croydon and Slough alongside Barnet; Brentford; Bromley; Central London; Clerkenwell; Edmonton; Kingston-upon-Thames; Romford; Stratford; Wandsworth and Willesden.
In contrast, courts in areas such as Aldershot; Blackpool; Bradford; Canterbury; Crewe; Darlington; Gateshead; Great Grimsby; Leeds; Leicester; Milton Keynes; Oxford; Peterborough; South Shields; Stoke-on-Trent; Swindon; Walsall and Watford are currently listing hearings within six to 10 weeks.
The findings come ahead of the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions under the Renters’ Rights Act, due to take effect from 1 May 2026.
SECTION 8 GROUNDS
Once Section 21 is removed, landlords will need to rely on Section 8 grounds, which are typically more complex and more likely to require contested court hearings.
LegalforLandlords warns that the shift could pile further pressure on an already stretched court system, particularly in regions where landlords are already waiting up to four months for hearings.
SIGNIFICANT STRAIN
Sim Sekhon (main picture, inset), Group CEO at LegalforLandlords, says: “The fact that landlords are already waiting up to four months or more to regain possession of their properties highlights the significant strain our court system is under.
“Even if you’re lucky enough to fall into one of the areas with shorter wait times, you’re still looking at a potential delay of more than two months. With the abolition of Section 21 under the Renters Rights Act due to be enforced from May 2026, this is set to get even worse as cases become more complex and more heavily contested.
MINIMISE DELAYS
He adds: “In this environment, it’s never been more important for landlords to have competent, engaged and proactive legal experts on their side.
“Ensuring that cases are prepared thoroughly, submitted correctly and managed closely from day one will be critical to minimising delays and helping landlords regain control of their properties as efficiently as possible.”
