Landlord possession claims increased sharply during the first quarter of 2026 as property owners moved to regain control of rental properties before the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) came into force on 1 May, according to analysis from LegalforLandlords.
The latest repossession data shows that 22,733 possession claims were issued during Q1, a 5.9% increase on the previous quarter.
LegalforLandlords says the rise reflects a significant shift in landlord behaviour as the sector prepared for the abolition of Section 21 and the introduction of a new possession framework under the Renters’ Rights Act.
The increase was driven primarily by private landlords, where possession claims rose by 11.1% compared with Q4 2025. Claims from social landlords also increased by 5%, while accelerated possession claims across both sectors rose by 1.7%.
FINAL WAVE
The figures are particularly notable given that possession activity had been declining throughout much of 2025. Accelerated possession claims fell by more than 10% during the final quarter of last year before reversing course as the implementation date for the legislation approached.
LegalforLandlords believes the data could represent the final wave of Section 21-related possession activity before the new rules take full effect.
And it adds to growing evidence that many landlords sought to make portfolio decisions ahead of the biggest overhaul of the private rented sector in a generation, with the longer-term impact of the reforms on investment and rental supply yet to become clear.
REAL CONCERN
Sim Sekhon (main picture, inset), Group CEO at LegalforLandlords, says: “The timing of these increases is highly significant. Landlords knew the Renters’ Rights Act was coming into force on 1 May 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.”
