A Conservative politician wants the government to delay implementation of the Renters Rights Act (RRA) for a year, to allow time to fix the court backlog.
Jonathan Hulley is a Surrey councillor, former Parliamentary candidate, and a social housing lawyer.
He warns that the RRA risks becoming a law which was born with good intentions but goes on to become a failure.
Scrapping S21 triggering problems
On the Conservative Home website Hulley writes that with the abolition of Section 21 – an eviction process he described as being exercised “on paper” – each possession case will now require court time.
“The civil courts, already under pressure, are expected to handle an even greater volume of complex and contested cases” he says.
And he adds: “Currently, the average possession case takes over thirty weeks to resolve. The introduction of extra hearings, stricter evidential requirements, and new rights to challenge decisions will extend the process even further.
“Lawyers and judges have warned that unless investment in improving court processes and staffing is increased, the system could collapse under its own weight.”
If the government does not delay implementation for a year beyond its current May 2026 date, it should at least be implemented in stages to private landlords time to prepare.
Deeper consequences for the private rental sector
He goes on to say that the RRA risks disrupting the long-term balance between tenants and landlords having clear rights and responsibilities.
“Many small landlords, who make up a large part of the market, may decide to exit the sector altogether. The result will be fewer rental properties and higher rents for those who stay.
“Even worse, the withdrawal of good, responsible landlords could create conditions that Britain last saw in the 1970s, when heavy regulation pushed much of the private rental market underground.”
The government’s pledge of court readiness has so far been insufficient, Hulley argues, describing current court systems as “antiquated” and hit by staff shortages.
And he concludes: “If this legislation is to succeed, ministers must return to fundamental principles: protect those in need, support those who provide homes, and ensure that the courts are properly equipped to uphold the law.
“They must also delay the implementation of the new Act by at least 12 months to allow the public and private rented sectors time to prepare.
“Anything less will leave the country with a rented sector that promises fairness but results in frustration.”
You can read his whole article here: https://conservativehome.com/2026/01/07/jonathan-hulley-the-renters-rights-act-is-a-classic-example-of-the-law-of-unintended-consequences/
This article is taken from Landlord Today