Paul Shamplina, the founder of Landlord Action and star of TV shows, is predicting the private rental sector will see a surge in evictions as landlords respond to the Labour government’s Renters’ Rights Bill.

Ministry of Justice figures show that in the final quarter of 2024, there was a sharp acceleration in possession claims. The total for 2024 was 32,287 which is the highest since 2016.

The data also showed that repossessions under Section 21 reached their highest level since 2017. There were 11,373 repossessions carried out by bailiffs in 2024 which is a 20% increase from 2023. 

Shamplina states “The latest possession figures from the Ministry of Justice confirm what I’ve been warning about for years. With the Renters Rights Bill looming, many smaller landlords have panicked, knowing the Section 21 ban is coming, and have chosen to use it before they lose it.

“This directly correlates with the 20% increase in cases we’ve seen at Landlord Action, a consequence of landlords losing confidence in the sector and more landlords seeking possession before the system changes. 

“History tells us that when major legislative changes are introduced, landlords react. We saw it with the Deregulation Act in 2015, and now, with a combination of Section 24 tax changes, rising interest rates, EPC regulations, and the uncertainty surrounding rental reforms, it’s simply too much for many smaller landlords.

“Landlords are selling in droves, and sadly, renters are the real losers. The knock-on effect is clear: a surge in Section 21 claims as landlords rush to secure possession before the rules change. Courts are already overwhelmed, and with no additional resources allocated, landlords are facing waits of up to 15 months for eviction dates. This is completely unacceptable.”

Shamplina adds that if the last Conservative government had introduced dedicated Housing Courts in their Renters’ Reform Bill, the private rental sector would be in a better place. 

Shamplina adds “Now, as we head into 2025, I predict Section 21 claims will hit their highest levels, particularly in the first six months. The fear among landlords is real.  

“Under new possession grounds, it will be even more difficult to reclaim properties.

“Looking ahead, the situation will only worsen. Once the new law is in place, landlords looking to sell will need to wait a year and then serve a four-month notice under Ground 1A. This will add further strain on an already struggling court system, pushing local authorities to breaking point as more tenants are forced to stay put until eviction.

“The message is clear: landlords need certainty, tenants need security, and the government must act now to properly resource the courts before the system collapses under the weight of unprecedented demand.”