Private evictions rose 23 per cent during recession
PRIVATE landlords filed 23 per cent more repossession claims against tenants during the credit crunch, say figures out today.
Legal claims to evict tenants increased from around 17,000 in 2004 to over 21,000 in 2008, according to legal publisher Sweet & Maxwell.
However, social landlords were less likely to repossess properties, with the number of claims between 2004 and 2008 declining by 23.5 per cent. Social landlords are bound by rules, introduced in 2006, saying they must help tenants stay in their homes.
Michael Donnellan, partner at Trowers & Hamlins, said: “Private landlords have come under financial strain themselves and are likely to move much faster to replace tenants.”