What Happened
Landlord possession claims in England dropped by 7.8% in 2025, according to research from Inventory Base. The number of claims issued fell to 91,093 from 98,766 in 2024, marking a notable decline as the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act approaches.
Why It Matters
The Renters’ Rights Act, set to take effect on May 1, will ban Section 21 ‘no-fault’ repossession, shifting the focus of possession proceedings towards fault-based grounds. Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, operations director at Inventory Base, indicated that while claims have decreased, there may be an uptick in repossessions as landlords and letting agents adapt to the new regulations. She emphasized the importance of regular inspections and detailed inventories to maintain tenant stability, which can lead to longer tenancies and reduced costs for landlords.
What’s Next
As the implementation date of the Renters’ Rights Act approaches, the backlog of possession claims may move quickly, with claims issued before May 1 proceeding under existing rules. The industry anticipates that the new regulations will lead to increased scrutiny and disputes, necessitating a proactive approach from letting agents and landlords.
