The number of possession claims made by private landlords has dropped by 21% over the last two years, according to recent data.
Possession Claims by Private Landlords Drop by 21%
Official statistics from the Ministry of Justice show that the number of possession claims made to county courts in England and Wales by private landlords has decreased from a peak of 6,486 in the first quarter of 2014 to 5,129 between July and September this year.
The news arrives as the independent English Housing Survey, published earlier this year, found that in 2014-15, private tenants had lived in their current home for an average of four years.
Both sets of data suggest that most tenants are not at risk of being evicted from their homes.
The Policy Director of the Residential Landlords Association, David Smith, agrees: “Today’s figures are a timely reminder that landlords do not seek to repossess properties lightly.
“With tenants also living an average of four years in private rented homes, the sector is stepping up to the demand for long-term housing, without the need for heavy handed legislation.”
Smith’s statement arrives as landlords face significant changes to their buy-to-let businesses.
Earlier this week, the Housing Minister confirmed that the Government’s blacklist of rogue landlords will be in operation from autumn 2017.
In addition, all landlords must be aware that from 1st December 2016, it will be a criminal offence to ignore your responsibilities under the Right to Rent scheme.
Our guide to the controversial scheme will ensure that you stick to the law and avoid facing penalties: /home-office-reinforces-landlord-responsibilities-right-rent/
Are you aware of other changes to the law that may affect your role as a landlord? Our legal expert details further changes that are due to be introduced under the Housing and Planning Act 2016: /landlords-ready-housing-planning-act-2016/
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