In the world of property rentals, landlords often find themselves facing difficult situations with tenants who refuse to vacate the premises after their tenancy agreement has ended In such cases, landlords in the UK may choose to pursue legal action through the courts in order to regain possession of their property One option available to landlords is obtaining an accelerated possession order In this article, we will explore the costs associated with obtaining an accelerated possession order in the UK.
An accelerated possession order is a legal remedy available to landlords who wish to regain possession of their property under an assured shorthold tenancy agreement This type of possession order is typically sought when the tenant has failed to vacate the property after the fixed term of the tenancy has expired Unlike a standard possession order, which involves a court hearing, an accelerated possession order is obtained through a paperwork-based process without the need for a hearing.
The process for obtaining an accelerated possession order starts with the landlord serving a Section 21 notice on the tenant This notice informs the tenant that the landlord intends to seek possession of the property and provides them with a minimum of two months’ notice to vacate the premises If the tenant fails to leave the property by the specified date, the landlord may then apply to the court for an accelerated possession order.
One of the key advantages of an accelerated possession order is that it is typically faster and less costly than other forms of possession proceedings However, landlords should be aware that there are still costs associated with obtaining an accelerated possession order in the UK These costs can vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the specific requirements of the court.
The first cost that landlords will incur when seeking an accelerated possession order is the court fee As of 2021, the court fee for an accelerated possession order in England and Wales is £355 accelerated possession order cost. This fee must be paid when submitting the application to the court and is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the case Landlords should budget for this fee when considering pursuing an accelerated possession order.
In addition to the court fee, landlords may also incur additional costs associated with legal fees, particularly if they choose to seek assistance from a solicitor While it is possible to apply for an accelerated possession order without legal representation, landlords may find it beneficial to seek professional advice, particularly if the case is complex or contested by the tenant Solicitors’ fees can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the level of assistance required.
Furthermore, landlords should also consider any costs associated with serving legal notices on the tenant, such as the Section 21 notice While it is possible to serve these notices without the assistance of a solicitor, landlords may choose to use a professional service to ensure that the notice is served correctly and in compliance with the law These costs should be factored into the overall budget for obtaining an accelerated possession order.
Finally, landlords should be prepared for the possibility of additional costs if the case becomes contested and a court hearing is required While the accelerated possession order process is intended to be quick and straightforward, there are instances where tenants may challenge the landlord’s application, leading to a court hearing In such cases, landlords may incur further costs for legal representation and court fees.
In conclusion, obtaining an accelerated possession order in the UK can be a valuable tool for landlords seeking to regain possession of their property from non-compliant tenants While the process is generally faster and less expensive than other forms of possession proceedings, landlords should be aware of the costs associated with obtaining an accelerated possession order By understanding these costs upfront and budgeting accordingly, landlords can navigate the legal process with confidence and ensure a successful outcome for their case.