The number of landlords who are trying to evict tenants through the courts has risen over the last twelve months, it has been revealed.
Landlord Expert reports that new figures from LSL Property Services show the number of court orders for possession is 5.9 per cent higher than during the final quarter of 2013, and 10 per cent up on this time last year.
The increase comes despite the number of tenants in severe rental arrears falling.
It also revealed that the number of tenants facing arrears of more than two months has fallen by 35,000 over the past twelve months, according to LSL – but some 67,000 remain in serious arrears.
The survey suggests that overall tenant arrears now stand at 7 per cent.
Paul Jardine, director and receiver at Templeton LPA, told Landlord Expert: “Some households succumbed to the wave of unemployment that followed the 2008 crisis, and as the broader monthly squeeze tightened its grip. For a time – though still for only a small minority of tenants – there was a significant rise in rental arrears. But now as the jobs market gradually comes back to life, the effect on the most hard-pressed of households is clear to be seen.
“While wages are yet to pick up significantly, those in the most serious financial problems often face a lack of any earnings at all. So as the risk of unemployment retreats this year, those with serious problems paying their rent – and most at risk of losing their homes – are benefiting the most.”
Evictions have been on a steady increase over the past few years – mainly due to rent arrears and the increase in cases is retrospective to a greater number of tenancies across the UK.
Dean Woodman-Evans, who is a director for The Landlord Association, added: “The number of private landlords renting property has increased so the number of evictions are bound to increase.
“With that said however, more and more evictions are due to rent arrears as tenants find it harder to meet competitive rental yields. We have noticed a distinct increase in cases by our own landlords.
“Here at The Landlord Association we have gone to great lengths in helping our landlords find the professionals who can help them take action to remove a problem tenant.
“Our Tenant Eviction Panel contains the countries leading solicitors who specialise in Landlord/Tenant law.”
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