Landlord repossession rates have risen across all regions, government data shows

The latest Ministry of Justice landlord possession statistics have revealed the number of possession orders are at record levels.

The ‘Mortgage and landlord possession statistics: April to June 2022’ report shows that year-on-year landlord possession orders increased from 5,431 to 14,319 (164%).

Possession claims increased from 6,997 to 18,201 (160%), warrants from 3,786 to 7,728 (104%), and repossessions from 1,582 to 4,900 (210%).

The statistician’s comment within the report states that landlord possessions “continue to slowly increase following the lifting of bailiff restrictions but are not yet at pre-covid levels: claims issued have increased quarter on quarter since Q2 2021 and claim receipts now hover around 60% of the pre-covid baseline.”

Alicia Kennedy, Director of Generation Rent, comments: “The number of court orders for evictions for rent arrears has never been higher. This is the aftermath of the pandemic when many renters didn’t get enough support to cover the rent and are now losing their homes.

“But it’s going to get worse as energy bills climb further and more people face a devastating choice between paying rent, heating their home, and putting food on the table.

“Alongside a further package of financial support, the government must freeze rents and protect renters from eviction if they’re struggling to stay on top of rent.”