Why we need to speed up access to justice - fast!
Mary-Anne Bowring 17/01/2020
2476
We Need to Speed Up Access to Justice – Fast!
The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) welcomed the government’s consultation on a dedicated housing court last year. However, despite the initial enthusiasm, no progress has been made.
The Growing Delays in Repossession Cases
Recent data reveals that private landlords across the UK face an average wait of over five months to reclaim their property through the courts. London landlords suffer the longest delays at 30 weeks, followed by the North East, where the wait averages 23.5 weeks.
The Court System is Struggling
One major issue is that courts are overwhelmed and unable to handle the volume of repossession cases efficiently. As a result, landlords often resort to using Section 21 rather than navigating the lengthy Section 8 eviction process.
Why Section 21 is Not a Long-Term Solution
Landlords prefer Section 21 because it avoids court battles and allows them to continue receiving rent. However, with the government set to abolish Section 21, landlords will be left with no choice but to endure the slow and inefficient court process.
The Urgent Need for Reform
The RLA has long warned that without increased court funding and significant reform, delays will worsen. A dedicated housing court is essential to improving efficiency and ensuring fair outcomes for landlords and tenants alike.
The Government Must Act Now
To maintain a well-functioning rental sector, the government must prioritize the establishment of a housing court. Justice delayed is justice denied—landlords need a faster, more effective system to resolve disputes and regain possession of their properties.
Planetrent Properties
info@planetrent.co.uk
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