Ministry of Justice release Q4 2025 figures - Possession claims already taking longer.

We posted a few weeks ago about the importance of Rent Protection insurance after the Renters Rights Act comes in.

While we expect the impact to affect everyone, even now the courts are feeling the pressure, and may well increase after the Act comes in. Although new landlord possession claims fell by 7.8% last year, court delays have reached a 20-year high.

Wait Times: Average time between claim being issued at court and repossession is 42 weeks (over 9.5 months), up 1 week from Q3 and almost a 4 week increase on the same time in 2024. This trend highlights a deepening backlog in the court system despite a reported decline in the total volume of new claims entering the system.

Fortunately locally at Bournemouth County Court claims do not seem to take this long, however we have seen turnaround time of four-five months.

Enforcement Delays: The primary cause of the delay is the wait for a bailiff. The time between a warrant being issued and the actual repossession is now 18.6 weeks—a significant jump from the 15.9 weeks seen in late 2024. Again locally this is not quite so bad.

Hearing Timelines: New Section 8 claims are currently being listed for hearings approximately three months after submission, compared to a previous average of two months.

Financial Risk: High Court Enforcement Officers Association reported in October 2025: The average rent loss at the point of eviction is now estimated at £12,708 nationally.

We can help...call us on 01202 554470

Subject to certain conditions, most tenancies are eligible for Rent Protection Insurance.This include many tenancies that are already in place, with prices starting from £36 per month.

Having a policy can help minimise loss of income during costly waits for court hearings, and also cover your legal expenses.

Please speak to us on 01202 554470 if you are interested or would like more information.