Need to evict a tenant? You’re not alone

Published: 30/04/2013

The number of landlords claiming possession of their property has reached the highest level in five years, according to the government’s latest court statistics.

In 2012, there were over 100,000 landlord claims that led to an order for possession while, over the last three years, the number of private landlords applying for possession rose by 85 per cent.

The most common cause for such claims is tenants in rent arrears.

However latest figures from the Tenant Arrears Tracker have shown a decline in the number of tenants in ‘severe financial difficult’. So why the significant rise in the number of landlords seeking possession?

GW LET’s John Jones believes landlords now have a better awareness of the legal steps involved in evicting a tenant before the end of their tenancy:

“While the increase in possession orders indicates the situation is deteriorating, it could also suggest that more landlords understand the legal procedures required when trying to regain their property,” comments the landlord legal specialist.

“Current legislation continues to favour the tenant rather than the landlord. This means for a landlord to reclaim possession of their property they must follow a strict legal process, even if their tenant is in breach of their tenancy agreement or is in rent arrears.

“Part of the services of GW LET is to provide relevant information to landlords regarding the laws of letting property, including how to evict tenants.

“If you are experiencing difficulties with tenants, whether they are in rent arrears or they are in breach their tenancy agreement, we can provide expert legal advice to help minimise the financial impact.”

Content correct at time of publication