Landlord court fees rising
Court fees will rise by 10% in May, according to a Government announcement this week.
The impending changes will have a significant impact on landlords, with the cost of a possession claim rising to nearly £400.
The changes come against the backdrop of concerns over the quality-of-service landlords are getting from the courts.
The 10% rise has been applied to 202 different fees, with landlords to be hit by increases including the costs of:
- A warrant of possession, which will rise from £130 to £143
- Most orders to enforce a money judgement, which will go up from £119 to £131
- Making a possession claim in the county court, increasing from £355 to £391
During the consultation regarding the changes in costs, the majority of respondents felt a rise in fees which was above the cost of living was unfair, given the standard of service.
The Government has defended the rise by saying it is lower than the 17.8% applied to costs between 2021 and 2023 and say the increased costs will ensure the courts have the resources they need.
Previously updates to court fees were less regular (taking place three years ago, and five years before that) and the Government is proposing a move to a more regular system where they make smaller increases every two years.
It is yet to confirm a date for the price increases.
Chris Norris, the NRLA’s Policy and Campaign’s Director said: “It is profoundly disappointing that the Government has chosen to hike fees at a time when there is so much dissatisfaction with the service provided by the courts in many parts of the country.
“Landlords and tenants in the private rented sector are reliant on a consistent, fair, and timely service from HM Courts & Tribunals, which is often found wanting. Increasing the cost of accessing justice without a corresponding improvement in the service provided seems unjustified.”
The NRLA will notify members when the Government announces a date for the introduction of the new fees and we recommend all members check the EX50 document on the Government website when making a claim in May.
More information
The Government has committed to carrying out a full review of the courts before it abolishes Section 21 possessions part of its Renters (Reform) Bill.
The NRLA has attended a number of housing listings at civil courts to see how they are managing with the current possession workload. To read more click here.
