What Happened
Landlord possession claims in England and Wales dropped by 7.8% in 2025, according to research from Inventory Base. The number of claims issued fell to 91,093, down from 98,766 in 2024. This decline occurs just before the Renters’ Rights Act is set to take effect on 1 May 2025, which will ban Section 21 ‘no-fault’ repossession.
Why It Matters
The fall in possession claims is significant as it indicates a shift in the rental market dynamics ahead of the new legislation. The Renters’ Rights Act will require landlords to provide fault-based grounds for repossession, thereby increasing the evidential thresholds needed to evict tenants. Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, operations director at Inventory Base, noted that while there may be an uptick in repossessions as the implementation date approaches, the responsibility will largely fall on letting agents to manage the operational realities, including increased scrutiny and disputes.
What’s Next
As the Renters’ Rights Act comes into effect, it is anticipated that possession proceedings will become more complex. Claims issued before the 1 May deadline will proceed under existing rules, but the backlog of cases may move quickly as landlords adapt to the new regulations. Hemming-Metcalfe emphasized the importance of preparation, suggesting that regular inspections and detailed inventories could help maintain tenant stability and reduce turnover.