The average time from claim to landlord repossession has jumped to 25.4 weeks, up from 22.1 weeks in the same period in 2023, according to the latest government figures.

The rise should reignite concerns that the government will not overhaul the court system before introducing a ban on no-fault evictions.

Meanwhile, increases in possession claims have been recorded in all regions except Wales - up from 22,526 to 24,495 (9%), while orders went from 16,029 to 18,436 (15%), warrants from 9,957 to 11,172 (12%) and repossessions from 5,950 to 6,927 (16%) compared to the same quarter last year. It reveals that 34% (8,448) were accelerated claims.

The increase in landlord warrants was seen across all regions except Wales, with the largest regional number (4,315) found in London, making up 39% of all landlord warrants.

Homelessness

Government statistics also show statutory homelessness in England remained at record highs, with 38,440 households listed as threatened with homelessness, a reduction of just 0.6% from the same quarter last year.

This included 6,630 households threatened with homelessness after receiving a Section 21 notice – an increase of 1.2% from the same quarter last year, showing that no fault evictions are growing as a cause of homelessness prevention claims, according to tenant groups.

The most common recorded reasons households were owed a prevention duty due to the end of an assured shorthold tenancy were related to a landlord wanting to sell the property (6,700), followed by a landlord wanting to re-let the property (2,670).

Tom Darling (pictured), director of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, says while in opposition the government pledged to end no fault evictions immediately.

He adds: “However, renters cannot afford to wait much longer – we must see legislation brought forward soon to get a grip on the situation and address the renting crisis.”