Letting agents’ trade body Propertymark has teamed up with the High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA) to urge landlords to consider High Court enforcement as a more efficient alternative for evictions — particularly in regions where County Court delays are severe.

The Problem: A Postcode Lottery for Possession

• County Court eviction timelines vary significantly by region

• In some areas, landlords are facing months-long delays to get bailiffs to enforce Possession Orders

• Cost to landlords: Thousands in lost rent and ongoing legal fees

The Solution: High Court Enforcement

• Landlords can request to “transfer up” a case to the High Court at the same time as applying for a Possession Order

• If the County Court route has already started, landlords can still apply to transfer later

Michael Jackson (HCEOA):
“This isn’t a magic wand, but in areas with the worst delays, it can make a big difference.”

Key Points to Note

• High Court enforcement is fully legal — it does not bypass tenant protections

• It only applies after a court orders possession and the tenant refuses to vacate

• It does not conflict with forthcoming reforms such as the Renters Reform Bill

• In some areas, it could shave off months of waiting

Policy Push

• The HCEOA is lobbying for legal reforms to make High Court transfers simpler and quicker

• A survey has been launched to gather evidence from landlords, agents, and legal professionals

• Data will be used to demonstrate the scale of the delays to the UK Government

What Should Landlords Do?

• Check local County Court delays — if severe, consider the High Court route

• Consult a solicitor or enforcement officer early in the possession process

• Participate in the HCEOA survey to help push for legislative reform  – You can see the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LandlordsPossessionsSurvey2025