Court fees levied on landlords are rising 10% from Wednesday – the result of a consultation process held shortly before Christmas.

The charges are rising across a range of court activities but landlords are likely to be hit mostly by these increases:

– A warrant of possession, which will rise from £130 to £143;

– Enforcing a money judgement, which will go up from £119 to £131; and

– Making a possession claim in the county court, up from £355 to £391.

This fee increase has been justified on the basis that CPI has risen by 17% since fees were last increased in 2021.

Court processes involving landlords have been the subject of hefty criticism in recent times and the delay in implementing the ban on Section 21 evictions hinges on a substantial improvement in the speed and effectiveness of possession cases.

The government says the fees rise will ultimately raise up to £37m to invest in the court service – although it will take many months before the increased charges produce enough to improve the system.

His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service says the rises are justified as they are the first since September 2021; future rises will be implemented every two years.