When it comes to regaining possession of a property that has been unlawfully occupied by tenants, landlords often turn to accelerated possession orders These legal orders allow landlords to evict tenants quickly without the need for a court hearing, making them a popular choice for landlords looking to reclaim their property efficiently.
However, one key consideration that landlords must keep in mind when pursuing an accelerated possession order is the associated costs From court fees to legal expenses, the process of obtaining an accelerated possession order can be costly In this article, we will break down the various costs involved in obtaining an accelerated possession order and provide tips for minimizing expenses.
Court Fees
The first cost that landlords must be prepared for when seeking an accelerated possession order is the court fees In England and Wales, the current court fee for filing an accelerated possession order application is £355 These fees are non-refundable, which means that landlords will not receive a refund if the possession order is not granted.
Legal Expenses
In addition to court fees, landlords may also incur legal expenses when seeking an accelerated possession order While it is possible to handle the application process without the assistance of a solicitor, many landlords choose to enlist the help of legal professionals to ensure that their application is completed correctly and in a timely manner Legal fees can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the solicitor’s hourly rate.
Deposit Protection Repayment
Another potential cost associated with obtaining an accelerated possession order is the repayment of a tenant’s deposit Landlords must refund the tenant’s deposit within 10 days of the possession order being granted, even if there are outstanding rent arrears or damages to the property accelerated possession order cost. Failure to return the deposit in a timely manner can result in penalties, so landlords should budget for this expense when pursuing an accelerated possession order.
Enforcement Costs
If a tenant refuses to vacate the property following the issuance of an accelerated possession order, landlords may need to incur additional enforcement costs to force the tenant to leave This can involve hiring bailiffs to physically remove the tenant from the property, which can be a costly and time-consuming process Landlords should be prepared for the possibility of needing to enforce the possession order and budget accordingly.
Tips for Minimizing Costs
While obtaining an accelerated possession order can be expensive, there are steps that landlords can take to minimize costs One option is to explore alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, before resorting to legal action By attempting to resolve the issue amicably with the tenant, landlords may be able to avoid the need for an accelerated possession order altogether.
Landlords should also ensure that they have thoroughly documented the tenant’s breach of the tenancy agreement and have followed all legal procedures before applying for an accelerated possession order Failing to provide sufficient evidence of the tenant’s wrongdoing can result in delays and additional costs, so landlords should be diligent in their record-keeping.
Furthermore, landlords should shop around for legal services and compare quotes from different solicitors to ensure that they are getting the best value for their money Some solicitors may offer fixed-fee packages for accelerated possession order applications, which can help landlords budget more effectively.
In conclusion, while the costs of obtaining an accelerated possession order can be significant, landlords can take steps to minimize expenses and ensure a smooth eviction process By understanding the various costs involved and planning accordingly, landlords can regain possession of their property quickly and efficiently.