The latest data released by the Ministry of Justice pinpoints a very significant rise in landlord possession claims across the UK as landlords are being hit hard by the rising interest rates.

In the first three months 2024 landlord possession claims increased by 6 per cent higher than the same period in 2023 with 24,874 cases. At the same time possession orders increased compared to the previous year by 3 per cent to 18,154, alongside the rises in warrants by 9 per cent and repossessions by 6 per cents.

On the owner-occupier side mortgage possession claims had risen significantly higher with claims up by 28 per cent to 5,182 and orders by 19 per cent to 3,019.

The MOJ data shows where the highest rates are recorded there is a flood of private landlord claims in London. The average timescale for a landlord repossession from a claim to the outcome is 24.1 weeks, which again shows an increase in the duration of legal repossessions; for owner occupier mortgage repossessions it has now fallen down to 45.7 weeks.

The rising figures have prompted concern from various sectors. Nick Emmerson the Law Society president voiced his major apprehension over the real possibility of increasing homelessness, saying, “With the cost-of-living crisis and high interest rates, many are struggling with rent and mortgage payments and are at risk of losing their homes.” He also highlighted the inadequacies in legal aid for housing, which could exacerbate the situation.

Shelter’s Polly Neate, slammed the way the government has handled the situation and how it has impacted private renters “Evictions are rocketing to new heights whilst this government has put the threats of a small group of self-interested landlord backbenchers over the safety and security of 11 million private renters.” She calls for the Lords to make vital amendments to the Renters Reform Bill to safeguard renters.

These developments signal a critical time for housing in the UK, as both landlords and tenants navigate the challenges posed by economic pressures and legislative changes. The call for comprehensive government action to address these issues is growing louder among advocates and industry leaders.

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