The number of landlords seeking to evict their tenants through the courts is creeping up, amid forecasts of more evictions next year when new housing benefit caps are introduced.
There were 34,897 landlord claims issued in courts in England and Wales in the first quarter of this year, 5% higher than in the first quarter of last year and 1% higher than in the last quarter of 2010.
Of these, 24,170 claims led to an order being made – 9% more than in the first quarter of 2010 and 5% higher than in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Over four in ten (44%) of first orders made in landlord suspension claims were suspended.
In the first quarter, 65% of landlord claims, and 64% of landlord claims leading to an order being made, were brought by social landlords.
Of the claims made by private landlords, 17% were brought under the standard procedure and 18% were brought under the S.21 procedure. Altogether, 6,254 private landlords made claims using the standard procedure, and 6,495 made claims using the accelerated procedure.
Across England and Wales, the region with the highest number of landlord claims and claims leading to orders was London. The region with the lowest number was South Hams in Devon.
The new figures are from the Ministry of Justice.
Miles Turner, director of eviction specialists Turner & Howard, said he expects evictions to rise next year when blanket caps to housing benefit are introduced on all existing tenancies in the private sector.
Caps were introduced in April, but currently affect only new claimants. From next January, the caps will affect all claimants.
Turner said: “The rise in eviction notices issued is symptomatic of the housing shortage and increased private rents due to demand.
“Landlords can minimise the risk of eviction by setting achievable rents. If set at a reasonable level, there is less risk of rent arrears, costly eviction procedures and rental voids.
“By acting fast and talking with the tenant, landlords can also minimise further arrears and arrange a suitable repayment plan with the tenant, before arrears get out of hand.
“With housing benefit caps due to be enforced on tenants in receipt of housing benefit in January, landlords need to notify tenants to discuss options.
“Without the fail-safe of an adequate benefit system to supplement those on lower incomes, a lack of available and affordable housing is imminent.
“I would like to think I could be wrong about this, but research and data is indicating otherwise.”
The Ministry of Justice statistics are on the link below.
https://tinyurl.com/659duqo
Comments
December/January - 2013 - Landlords in East Sussex are evicting en masse. Brighton & Hove Council say; "...it's an epidemic.", and they "cannot cope" with the massive fallout that Coalition policy is creating. There will be no savings from cutting benefits as councils are having to safety net the thousands that are being made homeless.
I have been evicted over the xmas period with, in effect, only 6 weeks to find other accommodation. Referred to Coastal Letting by the Women's Refuge, I was accepted, over 14 years ago, with only £200 deposit, now the few landlords that will accept Housing Benefit, want 6 weeks deposit and 4 weeks rent up front. This is approximately £2,000, for very below standard properties. Plus the cost of the move and/or storage, interim premises. The situation is criminal and landlords are evicting good longtern tenants because of government policy, that will not save any money. Thanks Cameron.