When it comes to dealing with troublesome tenants who refuse to leave a property, landlords often turn to legal remedies like obtaining an accelerated possession order This legal process allows landlords to evict tenants quickly and efficiently, without the need for a court hearing However, the costs associated with obtaining an accelerated possession order can vary, and it’s important for landlords to understand what they might be facing before proceeding.
The cost of obtaining an accelerated possession order can be broken down into several components The first and most obvious cost is the court fee, which is currently set at £355 for online applications and £355 for postal applications This fee covers the cost of processing the application and issuing the order In addition to the court fee, landlords may also incur solicitor’s fees if they choose to hire legal representation to assist with the eviction process These fees can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the rates charged by the solicitor.
Another potential cost associated with obtaining an accelerated possession order is the cost of serving notice on the tenant In order to proceed with an accelerated possession order, landlords must first serve a valid Section 21 notice on the tenant, giving them at least two months’ notice to vacate the property There are different ways in which this notice can be served, including personally, by post, or by email Each method carries its own cost, which landlords should factor into their overall budget.
In addition to the court fees, solicitor’s fees, and notice serving costs, landlords may also need to consider the cost of enforcing the possession order if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily accelerated possession order cost. This could involve further legal fees, as well as the cost of hiring bailiffs to physically remove the tenant from the property While this is an extreme measure, it’s important for landlords to be prepared for all eventualities when pursuing an accelerated possession order.
One way to potentially reduce the costs associated with obtaining an accelerated possession order is to carefully consider the circumstances of the case before proceeding For example, if the tenant is in rent arrears, landlords may be able to pursue possession through the accelerated route under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, which could result in the tenant being ordered to pay the arrears as part of the possession order This could save landlords the additional cost of pursuing a separate debt claim.
Landlords should also consider whether they have all the necessary documentation in place before making an application for an accelerated possession order This includes ensuring that the tenancy agreement is valid and up to date, that all required notices have been served correctly, and that there are no legal obstacles that could delay or prevent the eviction process By being proactive and thorough in their preparation, landlords can potentially avoid unnecessary costs and delays.
In some cases, landlords may be eligible for fee remission or exemption from court fees if they meet certain criteria, such as being in receipt of certain benefits or having a low income It’s worth checking with the court administration or seeking legal advice to see if you qualify for any exemptions before proceeding with an application for an accelerated possession order.
Ultimately, the costs associated with obtaining an accelerated possession order can vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the approach taken by the landlord By carefully considering all the potential costs involved and seeking advice where necessary, landlords can make informed decisions about whether pursuing an accelerated possession order is the right course of action for them.
In conclusion, the costs of obtaining an accelerated possession order can add up quickly, with court fees, solicitor’s fees, notice serving costs, and enforcement costs all potentially coming into play Landlords should carefully consider their options and seek advice where necessary to ensure they are prepared for all eventualities before proceeding with an application for an accelerated possession order.