Private Rented Sector Possession Trends: Quarter 4 2025
Lovejoyt Singh • February 17, 2026
The latest possession statistics for October to December 2025, published by the Government, provide a clear snapshot of the number of landlord possession claims in the county courts in England and Wales.
For landlords and managing agents, these figures are not just retrospective data. They are indicators of risk, pressure and opportunity. When reviewed properly, they allow portfolio performance to be measured against the wider market and, crucially, help inform strategy.
Although the statistics are published one quarter in arrears, comparing them to the same period in 2024 gives us a meaningful picture of the direction of travel within the private rented sector.
Fewer New Claims, But More Repossessions
In Quarter 4 2025:
- 21,458 landlord possession claims were issued (down 11% year-on-year).
- Possession orders fell by 8%.
- Warrants of possession dropped by 12%.
- However, repossessions carried out by county court bailiffs increased by approximately 3%, with 7,254 properties recovered.
- Accelerated claims are down 11% compared to the same quarter in 2024.
Fewer new claims are being issued, but existing cases are continuing to filter through to enforcement. It's not yet possible to conclude whether the most recent quarterly decline in cases/accelerated claims represents a typical seasonal fluctuation or an early behavioural response to the forthcoming implementation of the provisions of the Renters’ Rights Act on 1 May 2026 relating to abolishing section 21 Notices and the introduction of periodic tenancies.
The Private Rented Sector Share Remains Significant
Around 32% of landlord possession claims in Q4 2025 were brought by private landlords. While overall landlord claims reduced, the private rental sector continues to represent a substantial portion of activity.
London Continues to Lead the Statistics
Unsurprisingly, London boroughs dominate the regional breakdown. Private rented sector claims per 100,000 private rented households were highest in the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Enfield and Newham. Redbridge and Thurrock also rank high for repossession rates.
Accounting for Delays
The median time from claim to repossession is now 27 weeks, two weeks longer than the same quarter last year.
From a commercial perspective, this is one of the most significant statistics in the report.
Twenty-seven weeks can mean:
- Nearly seven months without rental income.
- Mortgage and service charge liabilities continue.
- Increased arrears exposure.
- Delayed ability to re-let or restructure assets.
In real terms, delay translates directly into financial loss. For landlords, this highlights an important reality: once a matter enters the court system, the timeline is rarely quick.
This is precisely why early strategic action is critical. Avoidable errors in notices, pleadings or evidence can reset timelines entirely. In a system already operating at close to half a year from start to finish, any misstep is costly. Preparation and compliance are therefore crucial, not optional.
Looking Ahead: A Changing Legal Landscape
The Renters’ Rights Act is the most significant shake-up to the private rented sector in decades, and its true impact on possession statistics and court timelines will only become clear as the new law takes effect and cases progress through the courts.
We expect increased court delays, driven by the requirement for hearings in all claims, as well as a rise in litigation as test cases emerge and the new legislation is interpreted through the courts. The full impact is unlikely to be fully reflected until late-2026/2027 data becomes available.
Landlords who prepare early will be materially better positioned than those reacting retrospectively. Ensuring that notices are compliant and that cases are properly prepared and presented significantly reduces delay risk and mitigates financial exposure.
As the regulatory framework tightens and court timelines extend, securing experienced legal support from the outset should be viewed as a portfolio protection strategy, rather than a reactive or purely defensive measure.
How Woodstock Can Help
If you have any queries about private rented sector possession proceedings, landlord compliance, or the impact of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, our award-winning Landlord and Tenant team can help. To get in touch, email contact@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk or complete the form below.
Woodstock Legal Services offers tailored advice to help landlords and tenants understand changes in housing law with confidence and clarity.
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What a night! We’re over the moon to share that we’ve brought home two incredible awards from this year’s National Landlord Investment Show (NLIS) Awards , held at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Woodstock Legal Services was named "Best Landlord Legal Services Provider" for the fourth year running, and our very own Anna Hughes, Director and Head of Landlord & Tenant , was crowned " Woman in Property of the Year" . Both awards mean so much to us. They reflect the hard work, care and dedication that our whole team puts into supporting landlords and property professionals every day. Anna said: "It was such a special evening. To be recognised alongside so many brilliant people in the industry was an honour, and to celebrate our team’s fourth consecutive win made it even more memorable. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together." Alongside our leading expertise in landlord and tenant law, Woodstock offers a full service across residential and commercial property, property litigation, dispute resolution, employment law, family law, private client matters, media and technology, and corporate and commercial law. Our consultancy model gives us the opportunity to attract some of the best lawyers in the sector: experienced specialists who work seamlessly with our in-house team. This blend of insight and collaboration allows us to offer clients a well-rounded service, particularly in landlord and tenant matters where our consultants and core team work closely together to deliver clear, practical and jargon-free advice. Carly Jermyn, Managing Director of Woodstock Legal Services, commented: "It was such a proud moment for all of us. Awards like these are the result of genuine teamwork and the relationships we’ve built with our clients over the years. Seeing Anna recognised in this way was the highlight of the evening – she’s an outstanding lawyer and leader, and we’re lucky to have her." We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved – and so grateful to every client and colleague who’s been part of the journey. Here’s to another year of doing what we love and continuing to bring a fresh approach to law.
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Without this, you could face licensing fees or even legal disputes later if you try to use, modify, or sell those assets. The same principle applies to employees. Your employment contracts should clearly state that any intellectual property created in the course of their work belongs to the employer. This helps to prevent ownership issues in the future and protects your right to use and develop your own creations. For example, imagine selling your company only to discover you don’t own the rights to your website or domain name, an all-too-common mistake that can seriously affect a business’s valuation. Proper legal contracts prevent this from happening. 5. Failing to Protect What’s Yours Even with ownership secured, your I.P. is vulnerable if it’s not properly protected in practice. Many start-ups make the mistake of discussing inventions, ideas, or branding publicly before securing legal protection. If you pitch your product or discuss your designs without a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement (NDA) in place, you risk losing the ability to patent or register them later. Patent law requires novelty at the time of filing, meaning that public disclosure could make your invention ineligible for protection. Always document who you meet with, when and where meetings take place, and what information is shared. Having these records, alongside properly drafted NDAs, reduces the risk of leaks, plagiarism, or competitors “copying and pasting” your ideas. Protecting your I.P. isn’t just a legal formality; it’s an important part of safeguarding your innovation and ensuring that your hard work remains your own. How Woodstock Legal Services Can Help Your Start-Up At Woodstock Legal Services, we understand that launching a start-up can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to the legal side of protecting your intellectual property. Our team offers comprehensive, practical support to help you understand these challenges. Luke English , our Media and Technology Law Consultant Solicitor, can advise on contracts with website developers, trademark applications, terms and conditions, and confidentiality agreements: l.english@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk Richard Hiron , our Employment Law Solicitor, can assist with employment and consultant contracts to ensure I.P. created by your team is properly assigned to your company: r.hiron@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk By taking proactive steps now, you can avoid costly disputes later and build a business that’s both legally sound and ready to grow.
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For example: Transfers between spouses or civil partners Purchases involving multiple dwellings Certain mixed-use properties or shared ownership arrangements For most straightforward home purchases, however, SDLT will apply in some form. If you think your circumstances may qualify for relief, it’s always best to seek advice from a specialist tax adviser alongside your conveyancer. It’s also worth noting that SDLT rules can become complex in cases involving trusts, company purchases, or inheritance. In these situations, specialist legal and tax advice is essential to avoid mistakes or unexpected liabilities. SDLT Changes in the UK – Why You Shouldn’t Assume If it feels like Stamp Duty Land Tax is always in the headlines, that’s because it is. Successive governments frequently tweak SDLT rules and thresholds, sometimes permanently and sometimes temporarily. For example, during the pandemic, a stamp duty holiday provided buyers with short-term relief, only for thresholds to revert afterwards. More recently, SDLT has been a topic of political debate, with calls for reform from different parties. This is why it’s essential not to rely on what a friend or colleague paid in the past. The SDLT rules in 2025 may look very different to those in 2020 or even 2023. Always check the current SDLT rules with your conveyancer or a trusted tax adviser before making any financial commitments. My Conveyancing Advice – Plan Ahead and Budget Early From my experience as a conveyancer, the best advice I can give is to treat Stamp Duty Land Tax as a central part of your property budget from the very beginning. Knowing what you’ll owe early gives you room to plan your mortgage realistically and helps you avoid any last-minute surprises. It also ensures you don’t overstretch your finances when you should be enjoying the excitement of your move. 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