When it comes to regaining possession of a property from a tenant, landlords may find themselves needing to obtain an accelerated possession order This legal process allows landlords to swiftly regain possession of their property without needing to attend a court hearing However, along with the benefits of speed and efficiency, there are also costs associated with obtaining an accelerated possession order In this article, we will explore the various costs that landlords may incur when seeking an accelerated possession order.
The first cost that landlords need to be aware of is the court fees associated with applying for an accelerated possession order As of 2021, the court fee for making an application for an accelerated possession order is £355 This fee may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case, so it is essential for landlords to check the current fees before proceeding with their application It is important to note that this fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application.
In addition to the court fees, landlords may also incur other costs during the process of obtaining an accelerated possession order For example, landlords may need to hire a solicitor to prepare and file the necessary paperwork on their behalf Solicitors’ fees can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the experience of the solicitor, so landlords should obtain quotes from multiple solicitors before making a decision While hiring a solicitor is not mandatory for obtaining an accelerated possession order, having legal representation can help landlords navigate the process more effectively and increase the chances of a successful outcome.
Another cost that landlords may face when seeking an accelerated possession order is the cost of serving notice to the tenant Before applying for an accelerated possession order, landlords must issue a Section 21 notice to the tenant, giving them at least two months’ notice to vacate the property accelerated possession order cost. Landlords can serve the notice themselves or hire a professional process server to do so on their behalf The cost of serving notice can vary depending on the method chosen and the location of the property, so landlords should factor this into their overall budget for obtaining an accelerated possession order.
In some cases, landlords may also need to pay for additional court fees if the tenant challenges the accelerated possession order If the tenant disputes the landlord’s claim or raises any defenses, the case may need to be heard in court, which can result in additional court fees and legal costs While the accelerated possession order process is designed to be swift and efficient, there is always the possibility of delays and complications that can increase the overall cost of obtaining possession of the property.
Landlords should also be aware of the costs associated with enforcing an accelerated possession order Once the order has been granted by the court, landlords may need to hire bailiffs to physically remove the tenant from the property if they refuse to vacate voluntarily The cost of hiring bailiffs can vary depending on the size of the property and the complexity of the eviction process Landlords should budget for these potential costs when considering whether to pursue an accelerated possession order.
In conclusion, while an accelerated possession order can be an effective way for landlords to regain possession of their property quickly, it is essential to be aware of the costs involved in the process From court fees to solicitors’ fees to the cost of serving notice, landlords should carefully consider all potential expenses before proceeding with an application for an accelerated possession order By understanding the costs upfront and budgeting accordingly, landlords can navigate the process more effectively and achieve a successful outcome in reclaiming their property.
Understanding the Costs of an Accelerated Possession Order