Rumours are mounting that the Government is poised to announce changes aimed at quickening up the eviction process in the private rental sector. The potential changes have been welcomed by landlords, who believe that unnecessary pressure placed on Britain’s courts are causing hold-ups which are resulting in delays.
Speed up
As part of the proposed reforms, some landlords and housing charities have been approached to be present at a Government meeting, where options to speed up the process will be discussed.
No payment
Pursuing legal proceedings against rogue tenants can lead to landlords going for long periods without receiving any rent. Commonly, possession claims in court can last for anywhere between six to 12 months. In the meantime, landlords will receive no income from their property. Furthermore, this can lead to some slipping behind on their mortgage payments, which in turn will negatively affect their credit rating.
Welcome
Managing Director of Landlord Assist, Graham Kinnear said that any changes to the eviction process would be widely welcomed by landlords in their battle against troublesome tenants. In addition, Kinnear suggests that reliable tenants would be rewarded from any amendments to the process, with more choices of property available after rogue tenants have been removed.
Kinnear outlined his views: “We do not feel that there is a real need to alter the grounds of securing a vacant possession or the methods by which a landlord can gain possession of their property.
“What we would like to see is a swifter possession service which will reunite the landlord with their property in a timelier manner. This will help to minimise the losses incurred by many landlords and may even encourage further landlords to enter the market place, which would help to address the current housing shortage in the UK.
“At the same time introducing a swifter eviction process will also support decent tenants looking for rented accommodation as they will be able to replace troublesome tenants much quicker than is currently the case.”[1]
Replacement
Stephen Parry, Commercial Property Director at Landlord Assist, believes that the current housing problem in the UK could be partially solved with the introduction of new changes. Parry emphasises Kinnear’s views, saying that there are a number of fit and proper tenants waiting to replace nuisance renters.
Parry also believes: “Referencing is a key part of the letting process and remains a simple and affordable way for landlords to paint a vivid image of their tenant.”
He continued: “Background checks on tenants are essential and should, as a minimum, include a credit report, plus references from previous landlord and employers. Only with this type of information can landlords be confident that tenants can afford rental payments and meet their tenancy obligations.”[1]
[1] http://www.landlordexpert.co.uk/2014/03/10/calls-for-quicker-evictions-to-help-landlords-and-good-tenants-2/