The opportunity would be created to decide cases using Alternative Dispute Resolution and to use online courts so that the majority of paperwork and case management could be dealt with electronically, reducing paperwork and cutting down the need for hearings which are a major cause of delays.
The idea has the support of the parliamentary select committee overseeing housing, leading think tanks and the consumer organisation, Which?.
Indeed the Government even consulted on establishing such a court and yet, over a year after this closed, no firm proposals have been published.
A housing court is needed to give confidence to landlords and tenants.
RLA research shows that over 90 per cent of landlords support the idea.
It would give them the assurance they need that where they want to take back a property for legitimate reasons they can do so in a timely and effective way.
For tenants, they would be clear about where to go to pursue their rights on issues around property disrepair and landlords failing to abide by their legal duties and requirements.
It would provide a faster route for redress to tackle bad landlords and bad housing.
David Smith is Policy Director for the Residential Landlords Association
