Landlords are now waiting longer than at any point in more than two years to regain possession of their properties, according to the latest Ministry of Justice figures.

In the second quarter of this year, the average wait stood at 33.8 weeks – almost eight months – up from 32.5 weeks in the first quarter. The last time waits were this long was early 2022, when they peaked at 37.8 weeks.

The Labour government insists the courts are prepared for the Renters’ Rights Bill, but the figures raise serious concerns about whether the system can cope with the expected surge in possession claims.

Courts already struggling

The statistics measure the time between a landlord submitting a claim and taking possession of their property.

Despite the total number of claims falling by 9% in the same period, the average wait time has lengthened. This suggests landlords are likely to face even longer delays when demand inevitably rises once Section 21 is abolished.

Confidence at risk

For landlords, delays can mean being unable to address serious rent arrears, nuisance tenants, or anti-social behaviour for many months. Prolonged cases risk undermining confidence in the private rented sector and discouraging investment in much-needed rental housing supply.

Why Section 21 is quicker

Under the current Section 21 route, landlords can repossess a property without a court hearing.

Even where landlords have valid grounds under Section 8, such as non-payment of rent or tenant misconduct, many choose Section 21 because it is significantly quicker.

Once the Renters’ Rights Bill takes effect, Section 21 will be abolished. Landlords will then only be able to seek possession on specific statutory grounds, with tenants able to contest claims. Every case will require a court hearing before possession can be granted — a process already taking nearly eight months, and growing