Accidental Landlord Faces Rent Arrears and Eviction Delays
Rongmala became an "accidental" landlord after her disabilities prevented her from living alone. She moved in with her children and rented out her south London maisonette. However, last year her tenant ceased paying rent.
At 57 years old, Rongmala eventually issued an eviction notice and initiated court proceedings. Despite this, several months later, the tenant remains in arrears of approximately £15,000 and refuses to vacate the property.
Delays in the court system are preventing the tenant's removal, leaving Rongmala feeling "broken". Some landlords express concern that such delays may worsen under the government's new Renters' Rights Act, which will take effect on 1 May in England.
'Helpless'
The new legislation represents the most significant reform of the private rented sector in a generation. It aims to enhance tenant security by banning "no fault evictions" and limiting rent increases.
Rongmala reports that the financial strain from lost rental income has led to depression.
"My children are helping me for everything, but I don't want that,"she said.
Since the tenant stopped paying rent, Rongmala has incurred £2,500 in boiler repairs, in addition to ongoing estate service charges and mortgage payments on the property.
Although a judge granted a possession order in Rongmala's favor, only court-appointed bailiffs have the authority to remove a tenant. The family has been informed this process could take up to 11 months.
Her son, Marouf, described the emotional impact on his mother as "heartbreaking" and characterized her as "helpless" in navigating the congested court system.
Meanwhile, numerous renters have shared their own challenges with the BBC.
Rosie and her friends, young professionals who participated in a protest in London earlier this month, reported having moved "dozens of times" and noted that some individuals allocate "70% of their salaries" to rent.
Fran Brown, 58, told BBC Your Voice she has relocated five times since 2017 and is now facing another rent increase. She expressed feeling "at the mercy of the landlord changing their mind."
Another renter, James, recounted receiving a "terrifying" eviction notice at the end of February. He is struggling to find housing for himself, his wife, and two children.
He described the situation as
"really tough to face the reality of needing to pack up our entire lives that we've spent 10 years building and put it somewhere else on such short notice on demand."
Currently, under a Section 21 notice, landlords may evict tenants without providing a reason, with just eight weeks' notice. The new legislation will restrict evictions to specific legal grounds, such as the landlord intending to move back in, tenant anti-social behaviour, or persistent rent arrears.
Clara Collingwood, interim director of The Renters Reform Coalition, expressed enthusiasm about the reforms, stating they would make a "huge difference."
However, landlords fear the new system will complicate the removal of problematic tenants.
Ministry of Justice data indicates that private landlords currently wait a median of 26 weeks from filing a claim to repossessing a property, compared to approximately 16 weeks a decade ago.
Data from the National Residential Landlords' Association (NRLA) shows average rent losses per property exceed £12,000 nationally and surpass £19,000 in London.
Chris Norris, policy director of the NRLA, explained that Section 21 evictions are currently a "paper-based" administrative process. Under the new rules, landlords will require a court hearing if tenants contest an eviction.
A government spokesperson stated the reforms would "reduce pressure on the courts in the long-term," adding that up to 1,000 judges and tribunal members are being recruited across courts and tribunals this year to provide support.
The spokesperson emphasized that the Act would provide tenants with "much needed and long overdue" security in their homes.
'Ever-increasing regulation'
Keith Taylor, a former engineer who rents out three properties, believes the Act will significantly increase difficulties for landlords. He reports some tenants have caused approximately £8,000 in damage to his properties and said the upcoming law is making landlords "very nervous."
Taylor anticipates that more landlords will sell their properties due to changes in taxation and "ever-increasing regulation," which he feels make the business less viable.
Greg Tsuman, director at Martyn Gerrard estate agents in London, noted that landlords have been selling properties over the past decade, with an acceleration in the last 12 months.
Both Landlord Action, a legal service for landlords, and tenants' union Acorn have reported an increase in Section 21 "no fault" evictions. Section 21 cases constituted 22% of Acorn's tenant-related work in 2024, rising to 31% so far in 2026.
Chris Norris of the NRLA does not anticipate a mass departure of landlords due to the Renters' Rights Act but expects some landlords to be more selective in tenant choice.
Although the Act prohibits discrimination against tenants with children or those receiving benefits, landlords will retain discretion over tenant selection.
Not all landlords oppose the reforms. Rick Gannon, who owns 70 properties valued at over £10 million, believes the new laws will create fairness for tenants and "weed out bad landlords."
"I think it's the biggest change we've seen in this industry for many, many years and I think most of it is for the better."
Rongmala and Marouf express empathy for tenants, stating they "don't want tenants to have to struggle." However, they emphasize that small or accidental landlords like Rongmala "are facing issues as well" and urge the government to provide support rather than impose additional challenges.
