Nearly 29,000 possession claims filed by landlords in 2026

Landlords pursue nearly 29,000 possession claims across England and Wales

Landlords lodged 28,610 possession claims across England and Wales during the four quarters to March 2026, according to analysis by LegalforLandlords. The figures underscore that court action remains a significant feature of the rental market, even as tenant demand remains robust and rents remain elevated across most regions.

Possession proceedings can result from multiple triggers, including rent arrears, tenancy breaches, antisocial behaviour, or landlords seeking to recover their properties for personal use. It is important to note that lodging a claim represents the start of court proceedings and does not automatically result in a possession order or eviction—many cases are resolved before reaching that stage.

London dominates possession claim figures

London accounted for the largest share of claims, recording 10,186 cases and representing almost 36% of the total across England and Wales. The South East ranked second with 3,396 claims, followed by the North West with 3,255 and the West Midlands with 2,402.

At local authority level, Newham recorded the highest number with 984 claims. Birmingham followed with 691, ahead of Redbridge (615), Enfield (588) and Croydon (544). The top 10 also included Barking and Dagenham, Lewisham, Ealing, Manchester and Greenwich.

These figures suggest that London boroughs and urban centres continue to experience elevated levels of tenancy disputes despite the broader narrative of strong lettings demand.

Hidden costs of possession proceedings

Even where properties can be re-let quickly, landlords may face extended periods without rental income whilst navigating possession proceedings through the courts. Sim Sekhon, Group CEO of LegalforLandlords, commented that "the narrative surrounding today's rental market is often that landlords hold all the cards because demand is so strong. These figures demonstrate that the reality is considerably more nuanced."

Sekhon added: "High demand doesn't prevent tenancies from breaking down, nor does it remove the need for landlords to recover possession when serious issues such as rent arrears or tenancy breaches arise. In many cases, possession proceedings represent the final step after every reasonable attempt has been made to resolve the situation."

The increasingly regulated process around possession makes correct documentation, evidence gathering and legal guidance particularly important. Getting the procedural requirements wrong can lead to significant delays, additional costs and prolonged financial losses for landlords.

Understanding landlord rights and responsibilities

The legal framework surrounding possession has become increasingly complex in recent years. Sekhon noted: "It is more important than ever that landlords understand both their rights and their responsibilities. When a tenancy reaches the point where possession becomes unavoidable, having access to experienced legal support is essential to ensure the process is handled correctly, fairly and in full compliance with the law."

Whilst the data highlights the prevalence of possession claims, it also reinforces that successful, long-term tenancies remain the goal for most professional landlords. Understanding local market conditions—such as BTL investment hotspots and R2SA regulations—can help landlords make informed decisions about property selection and management strategies that minimise dispute risk.

Source: Property Industry Eye.