Landlord possession claims increased by 6% in the first quarter of 2026, immediately before the Renters’ Rights Act came into effect on 1 May, according to analysis by LegalforLandlords.
The law firm’s review of government data shows 22,733 possession claims were issued between January and March 2026, representing a 5.9% rise compared to the final quarter of 2025.
Timing and legislative changes
The increase follows a period of declining repossession activity throughout much of 2025. Accelerated repossession claims had fallen by more than 10% in the fourth quarter of 2025 alone before reversing in early 2026.
Sim Sekhon, Group Chief Executive of LegalforLandlords, stated: “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 Renters’ Rights Act removed Section 21 ‘no fault’ eviction powers, which previously allowed landlords to evict tenants without providing a reason. The legislative change represents a significant shift in the UK housing market, affecting landlord-tenant relationships across the country.
Government response
Housing Secretary Steve Reed criticised landlords who issued no-fault evictions in the weeks preceding the Act’s implementation. He described the practice as “disgraceful behaviour” that undermined incoming tenant protections.
“There is no need to evict tenants ahead of this ban,” Reed said, adding that “kicking tenants out before they receive stronger rights” represents exactly the type of conduct the legislation aims to prevent.
Market implications
The data suggests landlords accelerated possession proceedings whilst Section 21 provisions remained available. The trend may indicate broader concerns within the buy-to-let sector regarding regulatory changes affecting property ownership and management.
The first-quarter spike in eviction claims contrasts with the declining trend observed in late 2025, raising questions about how landlords will adapt their strategies under the new regulatory framework. Industry observers will monitor possession claim data in subsequent quarters to assess whether the increase represents a temporary surge or signals longer-term changes in landlord behaviour.
