The NRLA says it is “profoundly disappointing” that the government has chosen to hike court fees for landlords at exactly the time when dissatisfaction with the courts is so high.

A National Residential Landlords Association spokesperson says: “Landlords and tenants in the private rented sector are reliant on a consistent, fair, and timely service from HM Courts & Tribunals, which is often found wanting. Increasing the cost of accessing justice without a corresponding improvement in the service provided seems unjustified.”

Court fees will rise 10% next month with the cost of a possession claim rising to nearly £400.

The 10% rise has been applied to 202 different fees, with landlords to be hit be increases including the costs of:

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

– most orders to enforce a money judgement, which will go up from £119 to £131;

– making a possession claim in the county court, increasing from £355 to £391.

During a consultation before the rise, most respondents felt any increase above the cost of living was unfair.

The government ignored that and says the next rise is lower than the 17.8% applied to costs between 2021 and 2023.