New figures released by the Ministry of Justice show that landlord possession claims fell during 2025, yet the time taken to regain possession through the courts continues to increase. While this may sound like reduced pressure on the system, the reality for landlords is quite the opposite.
Total possession claims dropped by nearly 8% year-on-year, with both accelerated and Section 8 routes seeing fewer applications. However, the median time from claim to repossession has now stretched to 27 weeks — the longest sustained delay in over twenty years outside the pandemic backlog.
Industry data from Landlord Action indicates that many landlords are still relying on Section 21 notices. With Section 21 due to be abolished from May 2026, all future cases will depend on court hearings and statutory grounds. Combined with longer notice periods and higher arrears thresholds, this will further extend timelines.
Enforcement delays are now the biggest bottleneck, with bailiff appointments in some areas taking six to eight months after a possession order is granted.
For landlords across York and Yorkshire, preparation is now essential. Strong referencing, guarantors where appropriate, and rent guarantee insurance are no longer optional safeguards — they are becoming core risk-management tools in a slower legal environment.
