"History tells us that when major legislative changes are introduced, landlords react. We saw it with the Deregulation Act in 2015, and now, with a combination of Section 24 tax changes, rising interest rates, EPC regulations, and the uncertainty surrounding rental reforms, it’s simply too much for many smaller landlords"
- Paul Shamplina - Landlord Action
Paul Shamplina has reacted to the latest landlord possession figures released by the Ministry of Justice, warning that Section 21 claims will surge to their highest levels in 2025. With landlords rushing to regain possession before the ban takes effect, court delays spiralling, and local authorities under immense pressure, the rental sector is facing a crisis.
"The latest possession figures from the Ministry of Justice confirm what I’ve been warning about for years. With the Renters Rights Bill looming, many smaller landlords have panicked, knowing the Section 21 ban is coming, and have chosen to use it before they lose it," said Paul.
He explained, “In Q4 of 2024, there was a sharp acceleration in possession claims, bringing the total for the year to 32,287 - the highest since 2016. Repossessions by county court bailiffs under Section 21 also reached their highest level since 2017, with 11,373 carried out in 2024 - up 20% from 9,457 in 2023. This directly correlates with the 20% increase in cases we’ve seen at Landlord Action, a consequence of landlords losing confidence in the sector and more landlords seeking possession before the system changes.
“History tells us that when major legislative changes are introduced, landlords react. We saw it with the Deregulation Act in 2015, and now, with a combination of Section 24 tax changes, rising interest rates, EPC regulations, and the uncertainty surrounding rental reforms, it’s simply too much for many smaller landlords.
He added, “Landlords are selling in droves, and sadly, renters are the real losers. The knock-on effect is clear: a surge in Section 21 claims as landlords rush to secure possession before the rules change. Courts are already overwhelmed, and with no additional resources allocated, landlords are facing waits of up to 15 months for eviction dates. This is completely unacceptable.
“Had the previous government introduced dedicated Housing Courts, we wouldn’t be in this mess. Now, as we head into 2025, I predict Section 21 claims will hit their highest levels, particularly in the first six months. The fear among landlords is real. Under new possession grounds, it will be even more difficult to reclaim properties,"
Looking ahead, Paul believes that the situation will only worsen. "Once the new law is in place, landlords looking to sell will need to wait a year and then serve a four-month notice under Ground 1A," he explained, "This will add further strain on an already struggling court system, pushing local authorities to breaking point as more tenants are forced to stay put until eviction.
Paul concluded, “The message is clear: landlords need certainty, tenants need security, and the government must act now to properly resource the courts before the system collapses under the weight of unprecedented demand."
