Tenant evictions increase 12 per cent

Published: 25/06/2013

Possession claims by landlords have increased by 12 per cent in the first three months of the year, according to latest court statistics.

Wales experienced the largest year-on-year increase while London saw thrice as many possession claims than the national average. A further 32 courts (out of 172) reported a rise in excess of 20 per cent when compared to the same period last year.

Rob Denman is the Head of GW LET, Goldsmith Williams Landlord Empowerment Team:

“There are many reasons why possession claims have gone up and they do not necessarily mean an increased risk for landlords. The increase could simply because there is a better understanding from landlords regarding the eviction process.

“To evict a tenant before the end of their tenancy the landlord must first have good cause to do so. Possible scenarios include persistent rent arrears, a breach in their tenancy agreement or causing a nuisance to neighbours, perhaps due to excessive noise.

“Once cause has been determined, the landlord must follow a strict legal procedure. They must first serve the tenant with a Section 8 Notice before obtaining an order for possession from the court should the tenant remain in the property.

“Finally, if the tenant fails to vacate the property the landlord must enlist the help of a court bailiff to evict them.”

Content correct at time of publication