The government’s assertion that evicting anti-social tenants from PRS homes should be easier after 1st May has been disputed by Landlord Action.
Justice Minister Sarah Sackman was asked in Parliament what steps it was taking to reduce court delays around ASB hearings, however she didn’t directly answer the question and instead stated that less than 25% of possession claims required progression to enforcement and indicated that the Renters’ Rights Act would shorten the notice period for the existing mandatory anti-social behaviour eviction ground.
Sackman said: “As soon as landlords have served their notice for eviction to the tenant for anti-social behaviour using this ground, they can begin possession proceedings through the court immediately.”
However Paul Shamplina of Landlord Action has indicated that the reality is that landlords have been using Section 21 as a backup plan for evidencing anti-social behaviour, and section 21 will no longer be an option post 1st May 2026, as the act removes it.
Shamplina said: “The new grounds will be evidence-based and go to a hearing…You may be able to start proceedings quicker, but you are relying on getting a hearing date. We’re expecting a big increase because of the ban on Section 21.
“It’s not just about getting a possession order; it’s the age-old problem of getting a bailiff eviction date – it’s already in crisis as we’ve got a massive shortage of bailiffs.
“Waiting 15 months for an eviction date at Clerkenwell County Court is totally unacceptable, especially when you’re coping with anti-social tenants.”
