Landlord possession claims increased by almost 6% during the first quarter of 2026, according to analysis by LegalforLandlords, with property owners appearing to bring forward action ahead of the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act on 1 May.

The analysis of the latest repossession data found that 22,733 possession claims were issued during Q1 2026, representing a 5.9% increase on the previous quarter.

Private landlords accounted for much of the rise, with possession claims from the sector increasing by 11.1% quarter-on-quarter. Claims from social landlords rose by 5%, while accelerated possession claims across both sectors increased by 1.7%.

The increase follows a period of declining possession activity during much of 2025. Accelerated possession claims had fallen by more than 10% in the final quarter of last year before rebounding in the opening months of 2026.

LegalforLandlords said the figures suggest some landlords sought to regain possession before the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, which abolished Section 21 notices and introduced a new framework for possession proceedings in the private rented sector.

Sim Sekhon, Group CEO at LegalforLandlords, commented: “The timing of these increases is highly significant. Landlords knew the Renters’ Rights Act was coming into force on 1 May and many clearly decided to act before the legislation changed the possession process permanently. The sharp rise in private landlord claims strongly suggests many landlords accelerated possession proceedings while Section 21 was still available to them.

“Many landlords have spent the last year working to understand what the new rules mean for their ability to manage risk, deal with arrears and recover possession when necessary. These figures suggest a significant number decided not to wait.

“There continues to be a real concern within the sector that the reforms have reduced confidence among existing landlords and will go on to discourage future investment in rental housing at a time when supply is already under pressure.”