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Court delays force landlords to wait over a year for justice!

by Melisa Cindil
Court delays in the UK are hitting landlords hard, with average times from possession claim to repossession now exceeding 68 weeks, up from just over 20 weeks in 2019, according to Propertymark. This means landlords could face months or even over a year of unpaid rent, mounting mortgage costs, and property risks while waiting for justice.

The growing court backlog crisis

Propertymark's latest data reveals severe delays at every stage of possession proceedings, including administrative backlogs, adjournments, and slow bailiff enforcement. Landlords are losing thousands in unpaid rent, averaging £12,708 across England and Wales, and £19,223 in London at eviction point, while still covering ongoing expenses, Propertymark reports. These trends are eroding confidence in the private rented sector, potentially deterring investment and reducing rental supply.

Why rent and legal protection is a must have

In this strained system, rent guarantee insurance and legal expenses cover act as a vital safety net, protecting against lost income during prolonged evictions. Policies like these can cover up to £100,000 in legal fees for evictions, rent recovery until vacant possession, and even property damage or squatter removal, paying out even amid court delays. Without it, smaller landlords face unsustainable financial exposure from arrears and enforcement waits that can stretch to eight months or more in areas like London.

Watch our video on Rent & Legal protection: https://youtube.com/shorts/iSjHJ4f1F6Y

How Oakheart can help

At Oakheart, we partner with Goodlord to deliver rent protection and legal expenses insurance tailored for landlords. Their comprehensive cover includes 100% rent payments during disputes, £100,000 legal support, and extras like first month rent protection and Section 13 tribunal fees, keeping you secure amid reforms like the Renters' Rights Act.

Contact our team today to safeguard your portfolio and let us handle the details for peace of mind!