Landlords lodged 28,610 possession claims across England and Wales during the four quarters to March 2026, according to analysis by LegalforLandlords.
The figures show that court action remains a significant feature of the rental market despite strong tenant demand, high rents and intense competition for available homes.
LegalforLandlords says possession proceedings may result from rent arrears, tenancy breaches or antisocial behaviour, as well as landlords seeking to recover their properties.
A claim represents the start of court proceedings and does not necessarily result in a possession order or eviction.
LONDON ACCOUNTS FOR MORE THAN A THIRD
London recorded 10,186 claims, accounting for almost 36% of the England and Wales total.
The South East ranked second with 3,396, followed by the North West with 3,255 and the West Midlands with 2,402.
At local authority level, Newham recorded the highest number at 984. Birmingham followed with 691, ahead of Redbridge with 615, Enfield with 588 and Croydon with 544.
Other areas in the top 10 included Barking and Dagenham, Lewisham, Ealing, Manchester and Greenwich.
HIGH DEMAND DOES NOT REMOVE RISK
Even where properties can be re-let quickly, landlords may face extended periods without rent while progressing a possession claim.
LegalforLandlords says the increasingly regulated process makes correct documentation, evidence and legal guidance particularly important.
NUANCED REALITY
Sim Sekhon (main picture, inset), Group CEO of LegalforLandlords, comments: “The narrative surrounding today’s rental market is often that landlords hold all the cards because demand is so strong. These figures demonstrate that the reality is considerably more nuanced.
“High demand doesn’t prevent tenancies from breaking down, nor does it remove the need for landlords to recover possession when serious issues such as rent arrears or tenancy breaches arise. In many cases, possession proceedings represent the final step after every reasonable attempt has been made to resolve the situation.”
“The legal framework surrounding possession has become increasingly complex in recent years, making it more important than ever that landlords understand both their rights and their responsibilities. Getting the process wrong can lead to significant delays, additional costs and, ultimately, prolonged financial losses.
“Good landlords don’t want to evict tenants. They want successful, long-term tenancies. But when a tenancy unfortunately reaches the point where possession becomes unavoidable, having access to experienced legal support is essential to ensure the process is handled correctly, fairly and in full compliance with the law.”
