When it comes to dealing with tenants who have failed to pay rent or breached their tenancy agreements, landlords often need to seek possession of their property through the court system One way to do this is by applying for an accelerated possession order, which is a faster and more streamlined process compared to the standard possession procedure However, it’s important for landlords to understand the timescales involved in obtaining an accelerated possession order in order to effectively regain possession of their property.
An accelerated possession order can be applied for in cases where the tenant has not paid rent, breached their tenancy agreement, or the fixed-term tenancy has come to an end The process starts with the landlord serving a section 21 notice to the tenant, which gives them at least two months’ notice to vacate the property Once the notice period has ended and the tenant has failed to vacate the property, the landlord can apply for an accelerated possession order through the court.
The timescales for obtaining an accelerated possession order can vary depending on the court’s workload and the complexity of the case In general, it can take anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks for the court to process the application and issue a possession order However, it’s important for landlords to be aware that delays can occur, especially if the court requires further information or documentation to support the application.
To ensure a smooth and efficient process, landlords should make sure they have all the necessary documents and evidence ready when applying for an accelerated possession order This includes the original copy of the tenancy agreement, proof of the section 21 notice being served to the tenant, and any other relevant correspondence or communication with the tenant regarding the possession of the property.
It’s also worth noting that the landlord must pay a fee when filing the application for an accelerated possession order accelerated possession order timescales. The current fee for this application is £355, which may be subject to change so it’s important to check the latest fee schedule on the government’s website Failure to pay the fee or submit the application correctly can result in delays or the application being rejected, so landlords should ensure they follow the correct procedures when applying for an accelerated possession order.
Once the court has processed the application and issued a possession order, the tenant will be given a deadline to vacate the property If the tenant fails to vacate by the specified date, the landlord can apply for a bailiff to carry out an eviction The timescales for obtaining a bailiff appointment can vary depending on the availability of the bailiffs and the workload of the court, but landlords can expect this process to take an additional 4 to 6 weeks on average.
In total, the timescales for obtaining possession of a property through an accelerated possession order can range from 10 to 16 weeks, assuming that there are no delays or complications in the process However, it’s important for landlords to be prepared for potential delays and to have contingency plans in place in case the process takes longer than anticipated.
In conclusion, understanding the timescales involved in obtaining an accelerated possession order is essential for landlords who need to regain possession of their property quickly and efficiently By being aware of the process and potential delays, landlords can navigate the court system more effectively and ensure a successful outcome in their possession proceedings.