When it comes to renting out a property, landlords may find themselves in a situation where they need to regain possession of their property from a tenant who is in breach of their tenancy agreement In such cases, landlords may choose to seek an accelerated possession order through the court system However, obtaining an accelerated possession order comes with its own set of costs that landlords need to be aware of.
An accelerated possession order is a fast-track procedure that allows landlords to regain possession of their property quickly without the need for a court hearing This process is typically used in cases where the tenant has failed to pay rent or has violated the terms of their tenancy agreement While the accelerated possession order process is quicker than the standard possession order procedure, landlords should be prepared for the associated costs.
One of the main costs associated with obtaining an accelerated possession order is the court fees In England and Wales, landlords are required to pay a fixed fee to the court when applying for an accelerated possession order As of 2021, the court fee for obtaining an accelerated possession order is £355 for online applications and £325 for paper applications It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, so landlords should check the latest fee schedule on the government’s website before submitting their application.
In addition to court fees, landlords may also incur other costs during the accelerated possession order process For example, landlords may need to hire a solicitor to assist them with preparing and submitting their application to the court While hiring a solicitor is not mandatory, it can be beneficial for landlords who are unfamiliar with the legal process or who want to ensure that their application is properly completed The cost of hiring a solicitor will vary depending on the solicitor’s experience and the complexity of the case.
Furthermore, landlords may incur additional costs if they need to serve notice on the tenant or if they need to attend a court hearing accelerated possession order cost. While accelerated possession orders typically do not require a court hearing, there may be situations where a hearing is necessary, such as if the tenant disputes the landlord’s claim In such cases, landlords may need to pay for legal representation and other associated costs.
It is also worth noting that the costs of obtaining an accelerated possession order are in addition to any outstanding rent or damages that the tenant may owe Landlords can seek to recover these costs from the tenant by obtaining a money order from the court However, landlords should be aware that there is no guarantee that the tenant will be able to pay the outstanding amount, especially if they are in financial difficulty.
In light of the costs involved in obtaining an accelerated possession order, landlords should carefully consider whether this is the best course of action for their particular situation In some cases, landlords may be able to resolve the issue with the tenant through other means, such as mediation or negotiation However, if all other options have been exhausted and the tenant is still in breach of their tenancy agreement, then obtaining an accelerated possession order may be the most viable option.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue an accelerated possession order should be based on a careful assessment of the costs involved and the likelihood of success Landlords should weigh the potential costs against the benefits of regaining possession of their property quickly and efficiently By being informed about the costs associated with obtaining an accelerated possession order, landlords can make an informed decision that is in the best interests of their property and their business.
In conclusion, obtaining an accelerated possession order can be a useful tool for landlords seeking to regain possession of their property from a non-compliant tenant However, landlords should be aware of the costs associated with this process, including court fees, solicitor fees, and other expenses By carefully considering the costs and benefits of obtaining an accelerated possession order, landlords can make an informed decision that is in their best interests.