Section 21 Accelerated Possessions hit an all-time high.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has released its landlord possession statistics for October to December 2015, which reveals total evictions last year reached a record high of 42,728.  Whilst overall possession claims fell during the year to 148,043, the number of accelerated possession cases continued their upward trend reaching 37,663 in 2015, up 4.5% on 2014 (from 36,025) and up 10.5% on 2013 (from 34,080).

Paul Shamplina, Founder of Landlord Action, specialists in landlord possession services, says the rise in evictions and use of Section 21 accelerated possession procedure is a stark insight into the severity of the UK’s housing shortage, and a reflection of the impact increased legislation is having on the private rented sector.

He comments: “Rising rents and welfare cuts are undoubtedly to blame for the growing number of evictions. With a shortage of affordable properties, particularly in the capital, the imbalance of supply and demand has pushed rental inflation well beyond the levels at which tenants’ wages have risen.  Many simply can’t keep pace and are falling into arrears.  We’re seeing more subletting scams and cases of tenants renting out properties on holiday websites in order to cover their rent than ever before.”

According to MoJ, the proportion of claims made using accelerated procedure has increased from 7% in 1999 to 25% in 2015. There are several reasons for this according to Mr Shamplina.  “Rising house prices, uncertainty over future buy-to-let tax implications and concerns over increased legislation (such as Right to rent and Deregulation Act) have been the catalysts for many self-managing landlords to consider selling up.  They use Section 21 as a way to gain possession of their property as quickly as possible.”

In other circumstances, where tenants are in arrears, Landlord Action says many landlords still opt to use a section 21, instead of Section 8.  Some landlords feel they won’t be able to collect rent arrears so this allows them automatic right of possession without having to give any grounds (reasons) once the fixed term has expired.  Other landlords are being forced down the Section 21 route because local councils are advising tenants to remain in properties until a possession order has been granted by the courts.  This means they can apply for re-housing and do not make themselves “voluntarily” homeless.
“A section 21 usually enables landlords to gain possession much quicker on a no-fault basis, so they can re-let the property, which is often more financially viable than chasing arrears.  I believe use of the

Section 21 process for landlords will continue to grow year on year because of councils’ pushing the problem back onto private rental sector landlords” adds Paul Shamplina.

Christopher Walkey

Founder of Estate Agent Networking. Internationally invited speaker on how to build online target audiences using Social Media. Writes about UK property prices, housing, politics and affordable homes.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agents should not all look the same
Estate Agent Talk

How to Become an Estate Agent with No Experience

Breaking into the property industry can seem intimidating – especially if you’ve never worked in it before. But the good news? You don’t need years of experience or fancy qualifications to start a career as an estate agent in the UK. In fact, many successful estate agents started with no background in property at all.…
Read More
buying at auction uk
Estate Agent Talk

9 Advantages of Selling Your House by Auction

Selling your house by auction might seem like a daunting prospect, but it comes with numerous advantages that can make it a highly attractive option. While the traditional method of selling through an estate agent has its place, auctions are increasingly becoming a popular choice for homeowners looking for a swift and reliable sale. Here…
Read More
Breaking News

Majority of Tenants Unsure How Changes Will Affect Them, Says LRG

With major changes to the private rental sector on the horizon, 62% of tenants say they don’t know whether the government’s Renters’ Rights Bill will address their concerns – highlighting a growing need for clearer communication around what the reforms will mean in practice. LRG’s latest Lettings Report shows that while landlords are widely aware…
Read More
Home and Living

Perfume Storage Tips: How to Keep Your Fragrances Fresh

Perfumes are sensitive compositions that can be significantly affected by how they are stored. Proper storage ensures that your favorite fragrances stay fresh and maintain their intended scent profile. In this article, we’ll explore practical, fun, and effective tips to help you preserve your perfumes in perfect condition. Understanding the Sensitivity of Perfumes Perfumes are…
Read More
Breaking News

Renters’ Rights Bill Delay Causing Uncertainty for Tenants and Landlords

Ministers need to tell landlords and tenants when measures in the Renters’ Rights Bill will take effect the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is today warning. The Government pledged last year to abolish Section 21 ‘no explanation’ repossessions and to make other changes to the rental market this summer. With the Bill not scheduled to…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 02/04/25

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Made Snappy 360 appoints new CEO and Sales Director to accelerate growth in the property technology space Made Snappy 360, the fast-growing proptech company known for its virtual tours and floor plan technology, has appointed industry veteran Mark Beresford-Ward as its new Chief Executive…
Read More