Repossessions could take 18 months

Landlord repossessions could take 18 months following resumption – Irwin Mitchell - https://t.co/70lYvk06Vd Landlords may face an 18 month wait to take... pic.twitter.com/ms2SSOLWF7

— Mortgage Solutions (@mortgagesols) September 24, 2020

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Eviction ban - Changes - LATEST

So you thought that things were finally going to get back to normal and that landlords were at long last able to seek possession for their buy-to-let property. ... Think again!

The yoyo government has added another to it's long list of stop start about face manoeuvres.

Eviction ban extended until 20th September

Most landlords were looking forward to having at least the option of being able to start possession proceedings but a last minute change of heart by Ministers has put back the date until 20th September putting added pressure on some landlords who are without rent but are still required to pay for the buy-to-let mortgage.

What both landlords and tenants need is clarity...something sadly missing from most Government announcements in this current environment.

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Welsh landlords need 6 months notice

Landlords in #Wales will need to give tenants six months’ notice when taking possession of their property - except in cases of anti-social behaviour - under new rules announced by the Welsh Government this week.https://t.co/XmBCVmTgGN

— NRLA - National Residential Landlords Association (@NRLAssociation) July 25, 2020

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End to possession proceedings pause

In response to an urgent question by the Shadow Housing Secretary, Housing Minister, Chris Pincher MP has said that an end to the pause on possession proceedings starting from today, 23 August is an important step.

Here are the rules: https://t.co/Up5T9fIS5m pic.twitter.com/1R7PuBiwjq

— ARLA Propertymark (@arla_uk) July 25, 2020

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New possession rules

New possession rules focus on 'reactivation notice' and assurances that #COVID19 impact has been taken into account. Here's what you need to know: https://t.co/nlqhaTEpA1

— NRLA - National Residential Landlords Association (@NRLAssociation) July 24, 2020

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Possession proceedings during lockdown

UK #COVID-19: Residential possession proceedings during lockdown: is the new practice direction too wide to work? Tim Reid, Senior Associate, Hogan Lovells, comments. #ResidentialPossession #Evictionshttps://t.co/xf2nNDzbUx

— The Negotiator (@TheNeg) July 15, 2020

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Possession reforms dead on arrival

To read our response, click here https://t.co/tJwHhwFkt4

— RLA Landlord News (@RLA_News) October 12, 2019

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RLA's possession reform survey

In our possession reform survey, more than 90% of respondents said they would welcome the introduction of a specialist housing court. Read more key findings https://t.co/zHdgckkiQB

— RLA Landlord News (@RLA_News) September 1, 2019

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Welsh Govt launch possessions consultation

Welsh government launches possessions consultation: https://t.co/lU21RXqotH Plans – which the RLA says will introduce 12- month contracts by default – were announced by housing minister Julie James AM last week.

— RLA Landlord News (@RLA_News) July 13, 2019

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Pledge to speed up courts:repossessions

.@HeatherWheeler has pledged to make changes to the courts to “speed up” the ability of landlords to repossess properties, amid government decision to abolish section 21 - https://t.co/e7OCTjg5Hj #ukhousing pic.twitter.com/wUZRRij5p0

— 24housing Magazine (@24housing) May 14, 2019

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What could the repossession process look like?

Section 21: What could the new repossession process look like? https://t.co/zHfbyjbdrh #Section21

— RLA Landlord News (@RLA_News) May 11, 2019

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'No fault' possession comes to an end in Scotland

‘No-fault’ possession comes to an end in Scotland! https://t.co/OwtsCZSYmm pic.twitter.com/NGd3B01LC0

— NLA (@nationalandlord) November 30, 2017

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Gap in the Housing Act - possessions

No ground 8 possession claim possible on a 4 weekly rent period? Not come across this... https://t.co/eOvtt4C1y8

— Nearly Legal (@nearlylegal) August 21, 2017

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MOJ possession data - another fall

Figures from the Ministry for Justice show possessions have fallen again.

Figures for Q1 2017 were 35,188; 8% less than Q1 2016, the eight quarterly fall in a row.

Broken down, there were 26,009 Orders of Possession, (down 10% on last year), 17,936 Warrants of Possession (down 9% on last year), and 9,370 Repossessions by county court bailiffs, (15% down on last year) 

The MoJ says these falls continue a trend started back in 2014.

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How to avoid bad tenants

Ending up with a bad tenant can be a costly and stressful process, often taking months to get rid of the tenant and incurring rent arrears and legal costs in evicting the tenant.  

Taking the time at the start of the tenancy to vet your tenant can prevent problems later.  

Here are some tips to help in getting the right tenant:-

• Meet the tenant before signing up - a face to face meeting is always a good idea, you can see if you like them, if you can't meet them speak to them on the phone
• Check the documentation - ask for ID, proof of income, references from previous landlords and follow-up the references, don't just accept them on face value.
• Check the tenant's credit history - this will tell you if they have any CCJs and if they pay their bills on time
• Check their rental history - do they move around a lot, if so is there a reasonable explanation for this?
• If they need to move in quickly ask why, if this is because they are being evicted from their previous property find out why they are being evicted.   Even if there is a possession order, a tenant will be given time to move out.
• Trust your instincts - you are agreeing for the person to move into your property, you want them to pay rent and look after the property, everything might seem ok, but if your gut feeling is telling you that they are not the right tenants maybe there is a reason for this.

If you have a bad tenant it can take months to evict them and can cost you a fortune in lost rent and legal feels.  Taking time  to ensure you get the right tenant is a good investment.

If you need any advice or assistance please do not hesitate to email me at propertyhawk@fidler.co.uk or call on 01623 448331

Rebecca Brough

Partner, Fidler & Pepper

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