Rental Evictions Skyrocket by Nearly Double in England and Wales: New Data from Ministry of Justice

The number of rental evictions in England and Wales has dramatically increased

Homelessness charity Crisis highlights that this surge in repossessions reflects the devastating effect of the cost of living crisis on renters.

According to newly released statistics from the Ministry of Justice, rental evictions in England and Wales have surged by 98% in just one year. Between October and December 2022, landlords repossessed 5,409 properties, which is nearly double the amount recorded during the same period in 2021, according to official data.

The Ministry of Justice indicated that the number of landlord and mortgage repossessions has been steadily increasing throughout the year, with the October-December 2022 figures displaying a significant uptick compared to the same period in 2021. However, it remains unclear if this trend will continue at the same pace in 2023, according to the department. Additionally, the MoJ noted that the overall number of repossessions has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.

There has been a notable uptick in landlords pursuing legal action against tenants in the county courts of England and Wales. Compared to the same period in the preceding year, landlord repossession claims increased by 42%, possession orders by 135%, warrants by 103%, and repossessions by 98%.

The current record-high rental prices in the UK stem from a severe scarcity of rental properties and intense competition among renters, leading to lengthy queues for viewings and some renters paying above market rates. A survey conducted by homelessness charity Crisis in December found that almost one million low-income households in Britain feared eviction in the coming months.

As the spring budget approaches on March 15th, Crisis is urging the government to enhance housing benefits funding to cover the actual rental cost. The charity's discoveries underline the catastrophic impact of the cost of living crisis on renters.