As if residential landlords have not had it tough enough over the last few years, what with the deposit protection scheme and the increase in the high rental threshold, the Government has announced the closure of 49 county courts in England and Wales.

As if residential landlords have not had it tough enough over the last few years, what with the deposit protection scheme and the increase in the high rental threshold, the Government has announced the closure of 49 county courts in England and Wales.

With many possession claims already taking anywhere from 12 to 20 weeks from commencement to completion, these closures are likely to mean more delays for residential landlords, prompting many of them to lobby the coalition to reconsider.

Under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, unless a tenant gives the landlord vacant possession, it is unlawful for a residential landlord to take possession of premises without a court order.

This means that residential landlords are frequent court users and many use the court service on a daily basis. They require a speedy and efficient service - particularly if the tenant in question is not paying rent. This service will be affected by the court closures directly, and the shifting of work from courts that have closed to those remaining open.

The coalition has said the geographic spread of county courts across the country was fairly illogical, and it will now aim for everyone to be within a one-hour public transport ride from their 'local' county court.

It is undoubtedly correct that many of the courts' locations were cited many years ago, and that they would be located elsewhere if the decision were being made today.

However, following these changes, landlords may well find that their local county court is many miles away, and more than an hour's journey by public transport.

County courts that will be closed are:

North West
Northwich, Southport, Penrith, Runcorn, Whitehaven, Rawtenstall, Chorley, Salford

North East
Bishop Auckland, Consett, Goole, Pontefract, Keighley, Dewsbury

Midlands
Rugby, Stourbridge, Stratford-upon-Avon, Newark, Worksop, Melton Mowbray, Wellingborough, Grantham, Skegness, Tamworth, Oswestry, Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Evesham, Redditch, Burton-upon-Trent, Kidderminster

South West
Cheltenham, Penzance, Trowbridge, Poole

South East
Ashford, Gravesend, Haywards Heath, Epsom, Huntingdon, Harlow, Lowestoft, Newbury, Hitchin

London
Ilford

Wales
Chepstow, Aberdare, Rhyl, Pontypool

Source: Ministry of Justice

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