The Online Procedure Rules 2026 come into force on 7 September 2026. The first release of the Digital Possession Service is anticipated later in September, although the precise start date remains unconfirmed. The practice direction is still a draft and may be amended before it takes effect. We will monitor the rollout and update members as further details are confirmed.
A limited first phase
The service will be introduced in phases. At launch, it will apply only to possession claims started by:
- registered providers of social housing in England; and
- community landlords in Wales.
Claims must relate to a property in an area served by one of four initial court centres: Bradford, Caernarfon, Huddersfield or Wandsworth.
This means the new system will not initially apply to most private rented sector possession claims. Those cases will continue under the Civil Procedure Rules. Accelerated possession claims, trespasser cases, enforcement action such as warrants of possession, and appeals are also outside the first phase.
What will change for cases in scope?
For eligible claims, landlords will start proceedings through the online service, upload supporting documents and pay the court fee digitally. The claimant will need to provide relevant documents where they exist, including the tenancy or occupation agreement, notices, and a rent statement where arrears are relied upon.
In Wales, claimants must also upload the property’s EPC, gas safety record, and electrical installation condition report. Documents and evidence will normally be shared through the court’s digital service, although paper alternatives will remain available for unrepresented parties.
The draft direction sets a standard timetable for the first hearing. It must take place:
- no more than eight weeks after the claim is started;
- at least 28 days after the start date; and
- at least 21 days after the defendant is treated as receiving the claim pack.
This timetable is for listing the first hearing in cases using the new service, rather than a guarantee that all possession cases will be resolved within eight weeks.
Preparing for wider change
Agents should continue to ensure that tenancy records, notices, rent accounts, safety documents and communications are complete and easy to retrieve. Well-organised digital evidence will be increasingly important if the service expands to further court areas and user groups.
