From Monday 13th July 2026, a range of court and tribunal fees increased across England and Wales following the Government’s annual review of HM Courts & Tribunals Service fees.
At first glance, many of the increases appear relatively small.
For example, the fee to issue a possession claim has increased from £404 to £415, whilst the fee for a warrant of possession has risen from £148 to £152.
However, focusing purely on the fee increase itself misses the bigger picture.
For landlords, these changes are another reminder that resolving disputes through the courts is becoming increasingly procedural, increasingly evidence-based and, ultimately, increasingly expensive.
What Has Changed?
The Ministry of Justice has introduced inflationary increases across many court and tribunal fees from 13th July 2026.
Some of the changes most relevant to landlords include:
| Court or Tribunal Application | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|
| Possession Claim (Recovery of Land) | £404 | £415 |
| Warrant of Possession (County Court Bailiff) | £148 | £152 |
| General application requiring a hearing (N244) | £313 | £321 |
| General application without a hearing | £123 | £126 |
| Appeal against a local authority decision | Increased | Varies depending on the application |
It’s worth noting that whilst many landlord-related court fees have increased, the fee for tenants to challenge a proposed rent increase remains £47, with no hearing fee payable. This reflects the Government’s aim of maintaining access to justice whilst reviewing court costs more generally.
It’s Not the Court Fee That Should Worry Landlords
An increase of £11 on a possession claim is unlikely to be the deciding factor when a landlord needs to recover their property.
The much bigger cost is what happens if something goes wrong.
Since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force, landlords must now rely on the appropriate Section 8 possession grounds, supported by the correct evidence and compliant procedures.
If the wrong notice is served, the incorrect possession ground is used, paperwork is incomplete or evidence is lacking, landlords may face:
- Delays in regaining possession.
- Additional court applications and fees.
- Continued mortgage payments whilst waiting.
- Lost rental income.
- Increased legal costs.
In many cases, the financial impact of getting the process wrong can far outweigh the court fee itself.
Good Tenancy Management Is Becoming Increasingly Important
One of the biggest changes we’re seeing across the private rented sector is the growing importance of proactive tenancy management.
The strongest possession cases often begin months, or even years before a notice is ever served.
• Regular inspections.
• Clear communication with tenants.
• Well-maintained property records.
• Prompt responses to maintenance issues.
• Accurate tenancy documentation.
These aren’t simply good management practices, they can become valuable evidence if a dispute ever reaches court.
What We’re Seeing at Lifeboat Lettings
Since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force, one of the biggest changes we’ve noticed isn’t simply the increase in legislation, it’s the growing importance of getting the basics right from the very beginning.
If a possession claim ever becomes necessary, the outcome often depends on the quality of the paperwork, communication and tenancy management that has taken place over many months, sometimes even years.
That’s why, for our fully managed landlords, we focus on being proactive rather than reactive.
Our routine inspections, detailed record keeping, compliant tenancy documentation and regular communication with tenants all help build a clear audit trail should it ever be needed.
We’ve also introduced Rent and Legal Protection for all of our fully managed landlords, providing an additional layer of financial protection should the unexpected happen. Whilst nobody wants to find themselves involved in possession proceedings, having both professional management and legal protection in place offers valuable peace of mind in an increasingly regulated private rented sector.
Ultimately, our aim is simple: to help landlords avoid problems wherever possible and, where issues do arise, ensure they are in the strongest possible position to resolve them quickly and compliantly.
Where Can You View All the Updated Fees?
The examples above highlight some of the most common court and tribunal fees affecting landlords, but they are not the only changes introduced from 13th July 2026.
If you’d like to view the complete list of updated court and tribunal fees, the Ministry of Justice has published the full schedule here:
Court and Tribunal Fees: Updates from July 2026 (GOV.UK)
This is a useful reference for landlords who may be involved in possession proceedings, tribunal applications or other property-related legal matters.
Whilst the increase in court fees may seem modest, it serves as another reminder that the cost of dealing with tenancy disputes continues to rise.
More importantly, it highlights the value of getting things right from the outset.
Good documentation, proactive inspections, compliant processes and effective communication are no longer simply best practice, they are becoming essential parts of protecting your investment.
If you’d like reassurance that your tenancy management processes are up to date, or you’re considering whether professional management could reduce both your workload and your risk, we’d be delighted to have a chat.
This article is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlords should seek professional advice regarding their individual circumstances before commencing legal proceedings or making decisions based on court or tribunal processes.
