Eviction cases ‘jumped 6%’ before Renters’ Rights Act came in
Sim Sekhon, of LegalforLandlords, says that "many landlords accelerated possession proceedings while Section 21 was still available".
Landlord eviction cases jumped 6% before the Renters’ Rights Act came into force last month, a leading law firm claims.
LegalforLandlords says the increase occurred during the first three months of this year, ahead of the Act taking effect on 1st May.
The timing of these increases is highly significant.”
Sim Sekhon, Group Chief Executive of LegalforLandlords (pictured), says: “The timing of these increases is highly significant. Landlords knew the Renters’ Rights Act was coming into force on 1st May and many clearly decided to act before the legislation changed the possession process permanently.
“The sharp rise in private landlord claims strongly suggests many landlords accelerated possession proceedings while Section 21 was still available to them.”
Clear attempt
Analysis of Government data reveals a total of 22,733 possession claims were issued, up 5.9% compared to the final three months of 2025.
The firm says the figures reflect a clear attempt by landlords to regain possession before the Act removed Section 21 ‘no fault’ eviction powers.
The figures are particularly notable because they follow a prolonged period of falling repossession activity throughout much of 2025, LegalforLandlords says.
Accelerated repossession claims had fallen by more than 10% in the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, before reversing course in the opening quarter of 2026 as landlords approached the implementation deadline for the new legislation.
Disgraceful behaviour
Housing Secretary Steve Reed criticised landlords issuing no-fault evictions in the final weeks before the Act came into force.
He described the practice as “disgraceful behaviour” that undermined incoming protections for tenants.
“There is no need to evict tenants ahead of this ban,” he said, adding that “kicking tenants out before they receive stronger rights” is exactly the type of conduct the legislation is designed to prevent.
