The cost of court fees rose by 10% in May, rubbing salt in the wounds for landlords frustrated by the terrible service they’ve received in recent months.
The median time for possession orders in England and Wales is now 24 weeks – three times longer than is required by the law, however in some regions the wait times are far worse.
Sim Sekhon, group CEO of LegalforLandlords and Propoly, said: “We have seen a considerable number of cases that have taken over twelve months to be heard.
“Often in these cases, the tenant is “playing” the system, but the landlord has no power.
“That’s in the hands of the courts who are now levying even greater fees for service that continues to deteriorate.”
Another rise is due in 2026, with the government claiming the cost rises will be used to improve the service.
Rising costs include the fee it takes to make a possession claim at a county court, which has risen from £355 to £391. The cost for a warrant of possession also rose from £130 to £143.
