Court Fee Increases for Landlords in 2025

Landlords and letting agents in England and Wales should be aware that court fees will increase in April 2025. The Ministry of Justice has announced that 171 court and tribunal fees will rise in line with inflation, subject to parliamentary approval. This change will impact landlords seeking possession of their properties and those enforcing court orders.

Key Fee Increases Affecting Landlords

Two critical fee increases that landlords should take note of are:

• Possession Claim (Recovery of Land – County Court): Increasing from £391 to £404
• Issue of a Warrant of Possession: Increasing from £143 to £148

While these may seem like relatively small increases, they are part of a broader trend of rising costs associated with the legal process for landlords.

Why Are Fees Increasing?

The government states that the increase is in response to inflation, particularly the rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) between March 2023 and March 2024. The Ministry of Justice argues that these fee adjustments are necessary to help fund His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and ensure its continued operation.

A small number of fees—though not those directly impacting possession claims—will see a more significant 13.5% increase to account for backdated inflation from March 2022. The fee changes will apply to applications received by the courts on or after 1 April 2025.

Impact on Landlords

Even small increases in court fees add further financial pressure for landlords already facing increasing costs in areas such as mortgage rates, licensing fees, and property maintenance. The cost of regaining possession of a property, particularly when dealing with tenants who refuse to leave, can already be high. These additional fees make the legal process even more expensive.

With court delays remaining a concern, many landlords may feel frustrated that a commitment to faster processing times does not necessarily accompany fee increases.

What Can Landlords Do?

• Act Early: If you anticipate needing possession of your property soon, consider taking action before the new fees take effect in April 2025.
• Consider Mediation: Before resorting to legal action, mediation services can sometimes help resolve disputes without needing court involvement.
• Stay Informed: The Help with Fees scheme remains available for those who qualify, though most landlords will not meet the criteria. More details can be found on GOV.UK.
• Use Professional Support: Ensuring eviction notices are served correctly can help avoid unnecessary delays and additional court costs. Professional legal advice or services like those provided by the Guild of Residential Landlords can help streamline the process.

Conclusion

While the increases may not seem drastic on their own, they are another added cost for landlords who rely on the legal system to manage their properties. The importance of acting efficiently and ensuring all procedures are correctly followed has never been greater.

For current court fees, please consult EX50 for complete details.