The statistics from the Ministry of Justice reveal that it takes an average of almost 29 weeks for courts to process legitimate possession claims made by private landlords.

This timeframe exceeds the legal guidelines. The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) argues that this wait is too long, particularly when tenants may be engaging in anti-social behavior or failing to pay rent during this period.

Additionally, it takes an average of over 11 weeks for private landlords to secure a repossession order from the courts.

With the anticipated increase in pressures on the courts due to the end of section 21 repossessions, the NRLA is urging urgent action to expedite the processing of legitimate possession cases.

The organization recommends increasing staff numbers in the courts and providing a clear outline of the proposed digitized system for handling cases. Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the NRLA, asserts that responsible landlords and tenants need assurance that possession cases will be handled efficiently, and fairly once section 21 is abolished.

He expresses disappointment in the lack of action taken by the government to address the necessary improvements to the justice system. Beadle emphasizes the need for the government to instill confidence in the court’s ability to handle legitimate possession cases.