A law firm says rents are rising even in areas where property prices are falling – and it predicts a surge in evictions until the cost of living crisis is over.

Higgs LLP says landlord possession claims have risen by 5% since 2023, reaching 98,797 in 2024, according to government data.

Increases are reflected across all categories with claims up 5% from 94,211 to 98,797; orders up 7% from 69,654 to 74,260; warrants up 11% from 40,674 to 45,219; and repssessions up 10% from 25,282 to 27,753.

Higgs LLP stresses that these figures reflect economic hardship, not misconduct, as both renters and landlords grapple with unsustainable financial pressures, and a spokesperson says:  “The sharp rise in landlord possession actions highlights how a growing number of tenants are falling into arrears or breaching tenancy terms. But this isn’t simply bad behaviour; it’s systemic pressure forcing renters to be backed into a corner — an expensive one at that.”

The law firm says Barking and Dagenham has emerged as one of the hardest-hit areas for renters facing eviction, consistently topping the rankings for landlord possession claims in 2024.

Despite a 7% decline in London’s average sold property price over the past year  (now £683,821 according to Rightmove), rent costs have not followed suit. In fact, Zoopla reports that the average rent in the capital has climbed by 4.2% to £2,121 per month, making London the most expensive place to rent in the UK.

In Barking and Dagenham specifically, property prices rose by 7.8% in 2025 to an average of £363,000, while average monthly rent reached £1,568. With a local average salary of £34,430 (1.9% below the national average), residents are being squeezed between rising living costs and below-average incomes. 

The spokesperson adds: “Even with a 7% price drop, London’s average flat still costs over £544,000. For many, these prices are unsustainable during a cost-of-living crisis. Landlords often rely on rental income to cover costs or generate a livable return, but many tenants simply can’t keep up. Without change and more support, we’ll continue to see a surge in evictions and formal possession actions.”