Mary-Anne Bowring 14/02/2024
230
0
Why we need housing courts
A few years ago the Government consulted on proposals for a housing court. But since then, it appears that nothing has happened.
It now takes private landlords across the UK many months to get their properties back when making a repossession claim through the courts. The problem is worst of all in London where landlords have the longest wait. The capital is closely followed by the North East. The major factor contributing to the backlog is that that the courts are unable to cope when landlords look to repossess properties for legitimate reasons. Because of this, many landlords, rather than using Section 8 to evict problem tenants via the courts, are relying on Section 21 instead.
What we need is a long term answer
It is faster, more simple and less confrontational to wait for Section 21 to end a tenancy. This is a no-fault, no court process. And, whilst it is running, landlords can continue to accept rent.
This is not a long term solution. The Government has pledged to end Section 21 evictions, which will leave landlords with no option but to struggle slowly through the court system in order to evict troublesome tenants.
The time taken to process cases has been only getting worse and there is no improvement in sight. We are calling upon the Government to establish a dedicated housing court – and make it a priority. It is vital to the smooth running of the rental sector that access to justice for landlords is improved and speeded up.
Meet our Expert Property Commentators
Mary-Anne Bowring FTPI FRICS FARLA FCABE Founder/Head of Asset Management
Strategic partnerships, holistic delivery/ opportunities, growth, value engineering, thought leadership
Ian Barber MD BTR Mobilisation & Leasing
Runs HQ & site lease-up teams. Drives rent pricing, mobilisation, marketing, happy residents!
Jon Curtis MRICS Head of Building Engineering
Chartered Building Surveyor. Lectures on EWS1 & building safety. Runs CapEx programmes.
Kate Robinson MTPI MD Blocks/FM Management (London Region)
Master plan setup, ops and staffing and resident engagement. ISO45001 champion.
Lee Harle Partner Ringley Law
Plot conveyancing. Debt litigation. Group Company Secretary.
Anthony Kingdon MIRPM AssocRICS MD Blocks/FM Management (North Region)
Stakeholder engagement. Mixed tenure specialist. Budget management. Plant audit, PPM compliance.
Chris Georgalis MRICS Head of Commercial Valuation
Chartered Valuer. Rental valuations: retail, leisure. IRR modelling and valuations for secured lending. Compulsory purchase & rent reviews
Nichola Pughe MRICS Head of Residential Valuation
Chartered Valuer. Rental development & mixed use valuations, IRR modelling. Leasehold enfranchisement specialist
Natalie Birmingham Helpdesk Support Manager
Trainer & Helpdesk Manager: people, systems,contractors. ISO45001 supply chain accreditation.
Steve Norman Planning Director
Land due diligence (opportunities & constraints) Has contributed to a number of award winning schemes.
