When it comes to regaining possession of a property that is being occupied by tenants who have fallen into rent arrears or have breached the terms of their tenancy agreement, landlords often turn to the legal process of obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order. This legal route allows landlords to regain possession of their property without the need for a court hearing, making it a quicker and more cost-effective option for landlords in such situations. However, it is important for landlords to understand the costs involved, particularly the accelerated possession order court fee.
An Accelerated Possession Order is a court order that allows a landlord to evict tenants from their property without the need for a court hearing. This process is typically used when the tenants have breached the terms of their tenancy agreement, such as failing to pay rent on time or causing damage to the property. In order to obtain an Accelerated Possession Order, landlords must first serve their tenants with a Section 21 notice, giving them a minimum of two months’ notice to vacate the property.
Once the notice period has expired and the tenants have not vacated the property, landlords can then apply to the court for an Accelerated Possession Order. This can be done using the online Possession Claims Online service, which simplifies the process and allows landlords to submit their application quickly and easily. However, landlords must be aware of the accelerated possession order court fee, which is payable at the time of submitting the application.
The current court fee for obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order is £355, as of 2021. This fee may be subject to change, so landlords should always check the latest information on the government website or speak to a legal professional for up-to-date advice. It is important for landlords to budget for this fee when considering the option of obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order, as failing to pay the fee could result in delays or the application being rejected.
The accelerated possession order court fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application. This means that if the court decides not to grant the Accelerated Possession Order for any reason, the landlord will not be entitled to a refund of the fee. Therefore, it is crucial for landlords to ensure that they have valid grounds for seeking an Accelerated Possession Order before proceeding with the application.
Despite the cost involved, many landlords choose to pursue an Accelerated Possession Order due to its speed and efficiency. Unlike the traditional route of obtaining a standard Possession Order, which can involve lengthy court proceedings and hearings, an Accelerated Possession Order can typically be granted within a matter of weeks. This allows landlords to regain possession of their property and re-let it to new tenants without unnecessary delays.
In addition to the court fee, landlords should also consider other costs associated with obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order, such as legal fees and any additional expenses related to serving notices on the tenants. While these costs can add up, the benefits of regaining possession of the property quickly and efficiently often outweigh the financial outlay.
It is worth noting that landlords must follow the correct procedures and comply with all legal requirements when applying for an Accelerated Possession Order. Failure to do so could result in the application being rejected or delays in the eviction process. Therefore, it is advisable for landlords to seek advice from a legal professional or consult the government guidelines to ensure that they are following the correct steps.
In conclusion, the Accelerated Possession Order Court Fee is an unavoidable cost for landlords seeking to regain possession of their property through this legal process. While the fee may seem significant, the speed and efficiency of obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order can often justify the expense. By understanding the process and costs involved, landlords can make informed decisions and take the necessary steps to protect their property interests.