Bailiff crisis pushes eviction delays into mid-2025

Landlord Action is sounding the alarm on severe delays in bailiff appointments at London County Courts and warns that some courts, like those managed by the Stratford Housing Centre, are scheduling bailiff appointments as late as mid-2025.

The leading UK eviction specialist warns that this delay is down to a significant shortage of County Court bailiffs, placing additional financial strain on landlords already dealing with tenant arrears.

Paul Shamplina, the founder of Landlord Action, highlights a recent issue at Barnet County Court where scheduled bailiff appointments were missed, leaving tenants and landlords in limbo.

He is worried that this problem could spread to other courts across London.

Severe bailiff employment crisis

Mr Shamplina said: “It’s abundantly clear that County Courts are facing a severe bailiff employment crisis, with only around 300 County Court bailiffs available across England and Wales.

“This shortage is eroding landlords’ confidence in the legal system’s ability to help them regain possession.”

He points to a recent case at Clerkenwell County Court when Landlord Action applied for an eviction order in July 2023 – only to be told that the eviction date would be January 2025.

He adds: “Waiting periods such as this are completely unacceptable.”

Landlords to consider High Court enforcement

Landlord Action is advising landlords to consider High Court enforcement, but Mr Shamplina warns that this option comes with additional fees.

It may also be denied by County Court judges unless a County Court bailiff application has been attempted first.

He explains: “While HC enforcement can offer a faster route to repossession, it’s not guaranteed.

“Each court has its own criteria, and some judges require landlords to endure delays with CC bailiffs before they’ll consider it.

“These added costs and uncertainties are a burden, but with delays stretching into next year, HC enforcement may be the only feasible option for landlords at risk of severe financial loss.”

It appears that the severe delays are concentrated in London’s County Courts and other major cities, such as Manchester.

Mr Shamplina says that county courts with lighter caseloads are not experiencing the same issues.

Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions

The impending abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions is expected to worsen the issue of delays.

Mr Shamplina is urging landlords to act while Section 21 is still in effect and to seek professional legal advice.

He says: “Landlords shouldn’t be forced into extended limbo, especially when they’ve already tried the standard CC bailiff process.”

Mr Shamplina warns: “These delays are only likely to worsen, particularly once grounds for possession become more restricted.

“We’re calling on County Courts to prioritise permission for HC enforcement in cases where landlords face real hardship or financial risk.”

For help and advice about tenant eviction and collecting arrears, then Landlord Action may be able to help:

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