"With the Renters’ Rights Act being implemented from May next year, we will see more eviction cases in court as Section 21 will no longer be an option. Agents, landlords and tenants need confidence that the system can handle this, which requires urgent investment in court capacity"
- Dr Neil Cobbold - Reapit
Technology provider Reapit is calling on the government to include funding for the civil court system in November’s Budget, ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force on 1 May 2026. The company argues that significant reforms to the private rented sector will require stronger court capacity to manage rising caseloads.
New Ministry of Justice data shows that the median time for landlords to move from claim to repossession has increased to 27.4 weeks, up from 24.4 weeks a year earlier. Over the same 12-month period, landlord repossessions have risen by 9%, indicating that more cases are progressing through the courts while timelines continue to lengthen.
With the Renters’ Rights Act set to introduce the most substantial shift in the sector in decades, including the end of Section 21, Reapit warns that delays could worsen without additional investment. The company notes that prolonged timelines risk creating uncertainty across the industry and could undermine further investment in the private rented sector.
From May 2026, evictions will only be permitted when a tenant has breached a ground under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 or the new grounds introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act. All such cases must be heard in court, adding further pressure to an already stretched system.
“Agents are on the front line of these reforms, but the best agents are already being proactive in protecting their landlords by avoiding evictions,” said Dr Neil Cobbold, commercial director at Reapit (pictured). “One of the biggest causes of evictions is tenant arrears, and managing that risk starts with tenant vetting, clear automated client accounting and arrears chasing, and having the time to build relationships with tenants, so they know who to turn to if they have issues paying the rent.
"But if these measures fail and an eviction is necessary, we need speedy action from the government to address worsening court delays. When landlords cannot regain possession quickly, it creates financial strain and reduces their confidence in the rental market. Longer timelines also affect tenants who may be stuck in unsuitable situations."
"With the Renters’ Rights Act being implemented from May next year, we will see more eviction cases in court as Section 21 will no longer be an option. Agents, landlords and tenants need confidence that the system can handle this, which requires urgent investment in court capacity.”
