Landlord possession activity surged in March as the 1 May implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act approaches with fresh data pointing to a sharp shift in behaviour across the private rented sector.
Figures from Landlord Action show possession instructions rose 60% year-on-year in March, while enquiries climbed 75% – the largest monthly spike on record for the firm.
The jump reflects landlords accelerating decisions ahead of sweeping legislative change, particularly the planned removal of Section 21, which has traditionally allowed possession without fault.
With the deadline looming, many landlords are bringing forward action to regain control of properties while existing routes remain available, creating a surge in activity that is already feeding through to tenants.
TAKING ACTION
The increase builds on a trend seen earlier in the year. Possession instructions in the first quarter were up 32% compared with a year earlier, with enquiries rising 23%, indicating that landlords are moving from consideration to action.
Notably, instructions are rising faster than enquiries, suggesting growing urgency among landlords who had previously delayed decisions.
The data also highlights the sector’s reliance on Section 21. In March, its use was almost three times higher than Section 8, with Section 21 instructions up 43% year-on-year in Q1.
This imbalance shows the scale of the shift ahead. Once Section 21 is abolished, a significant proportion of cases will be forced through the Section 8 route, increasing pressure on an already stretched court system.
The shift will transform what has largely been an administrative process into one driven by the courts, bringing longer timelines and greater complexity for landlords and tenants alike.
CONFUSION PERSISTS
Paul Shamplina (main picture), Founder of Landlord Action, says: “This is exactly what we said would happen. As Section 21 is phased out, landlords are acting now while they still have certainty, because many are not confident in what replaces it.
“From the conversations I have been having with landlords across the country, there is still a great deal of confusion about how possession will work in practice, alongside growing concern about compliance, court delays, rent arrears and rising mortgage costs. That combination is pushing landlords into making decisions earlier than they otherwise would.
“Some landlords are choosing to exit the sector altogether, while others are regaining possession now rather than risk being unable to do so later.
“While possession activity will inevitably slow once these changes come into force, much of the damage will already have been done. Good landlords leaving the market and tenants losing homes in circumstances where, previously, no action would have been taken.”
