RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SEARCH

A 5,000-signature petition from landlords and letting agents that demands new laws to evict problem tenants quicker has been handed in to Downing Street.

The petition is backed by Mike Weatherley, Tory MP for Hove and Portslade, and 14 landlord businesses and representative groups, including the Residential Landlords Association (RLA).

The petition is urging the government to:

Revise the law so landlords can throw out tenants with rent arrears or behave antisocially. Change rules so landlords have more access to homes they rent to tenants Confirm that plans to close 54 county courts will not slow down the strained eviction process RLA chairman Alan Ward Association, said: “Landlords depend on the county courts to dispense justice when tenants fail to pay the rent.

“If these courts are closed, we call on the Secretary of State for Justice to ensure that landlords and tenants are not disadvantaged by delays in the court system.”

In support of the petition, the RLA disclosed that 60% of helpline calls from landlords relate to property repossession problems.

The protestors are worried that closing courts will also affect landlords rights.

A court hearing date for eviction should be listed within six weeks of application – but many courts are too busy to comply and the RLA fears that closing many will only add more delay.

“If the current system that takes too long remains, courts will be overwhelmed and landlords will lose out even more. Local housing authorities, who are trying to house more people with private landlords, will find that more difficult too,” said the RLA.

Mr Weatherley said: “I support this sensible plan to balance the rights of landlords and tenants.”