Propertymark is supporting a new industry-wide initiative led by the High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA) to gather insights from landlords and property professionals on the evolving role of High Court enforcement in the private rented sector.
The survey aims to collect data on experiences and perceptions across the lettings landscape, with a view to refining when High Court action may be appropriate and how enforcement services could be more effectively tailored to meet future needs.
As tenancy breakdowns become increasingly complex – due to economic pressures, legal reforms, and varying tenant-landlord dynamics – the demand for proportionate, efficient enforcement routes has grown.
The HCEOA’s initiative seeks to ensure that enforcement processes are informed by real-world conditions and the challenges practitioners face.
COURT INCONSISTENCY
The move comes amid ongoing concern about the regional inconsistency in county court capacity and efficiency.
By collecting evidence from across the sector, the survey is intended to inform future government engagement and support reform where necessary.
Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, says: “Propertymark member agents cite delays at every stage of the possession action process in the County Court, which begins from the initial claim up to the eventual possession by a County Court Bailiff and is the product of many contributing factors.
“To this end, enforcement timings can drastically differ from region to region. We know that when using a High Court Enforcement Officer, the execution of a Possession Order is notably quicker.
“It is therefore vital that the UK Government looks at reform in this area to improve access to justice in the private rented sector.”
NOT A MAGIC WAND
And Michael Jackson, Vice-Chair of the High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA), adds: “We are pleased to be working with Propertymark and other partners on this research.
“The reality is that the system is stretched, and landlords simply can’t afford to wait months on end. It’s clear that this postcode lottery of delays in County Court evictions is proving to be a real nightmare for landlords in some parts of the country.
High Court enforcement isn’t a magic wand, and it won’t be the right choice for every landlord right now, but it can certainly help those facing the worst delays in evictions, which are unfairly costing landlords thousands of pounds.”
Take the survey HERE.
