The knock-on from recession means it can take over two months just to get a hearing date due. Increasing levels of unemployment leave tenants unable to pay their rent, with landlords then unable to pay their mortgage. According to research by the National Landlords Association, 44 per cent of landlords experienced rental arrears between October 2008 and March 2009. Of the 50 per cent who attempted to recover the rent through the courts many reported waiting times of over three months before the case was heard.

Richard Cox from HomeLet’s in-house Legal & Claims Department said, “The courts are swamped by possession claims. One London area court is taking six weeks to process requests for eviction appointments. Meanwhile the landlord is not receiving rent.” The situation looks unlikely to improve so Rent Guarantee insurance can play a vital role as it covers missed rental payments for up to up to 12 months and 50 per cent of the rent for up to three months after vacant possession has been obtained while a new tenant is found.