The HM Courts and Tribunals Service is looking to address delays in bailiff enforcement affecting landlords by strengthening bailiff recruitment and retention.
That is according to minister of state for housing and planning, Matthew Pennycook, who also said the service is looking to issue clearer guidance on rights and responsibilities, and launch an automated payment system to streamline debt recovery to free up bailiffs for possession cases.
Pennycook was responding to property technology firm, Reapit.
A lack of bailiffs is one of the reasons it takes so long to evict tenants via the Section 8 route.
The government is also working on a new end-to-end digital possession service that will automate warrant requests and fee submissions, with the aim of accelerating the enforcement process by cutting the amount of admin time spent on paperwork.
To prepare for potentially increased demand across the first-tier Tribunals, work is underway to expand capacity within the Tribunal Property Chamber.
A new power has also been introduced, allowing the government to backdate rent increases following a Tribunal determination to prevent the system from becoming overwhelmed.
The government is also considering a faster, alternative mechanism for initial rent assessments, avoiding a tribunal hearing entirely, something Reapit has campaigned for.
A national communications campaign will also be launched to raise awareness of the Renters’ Rights Bill and guide tenants, landlords and agents to relevant support and information.