When it comes to evicting a tenant in the UK, landlords may opt for the accelerated possession procedure, which allows them to regain possession of their property quickly and efficiently. However, one important consideration that landlords must keep in mind is the accelerated possession court fee.
The accelerated possession court fee is a fee that landlords must pay when they file a claim for possession through the accelerated possession procedure. This fee covers the cost of processing the claim and is payable to the court where the claim is being made. The current fee for the accelerated possession court fee is £355.
It’s important for landlords to understand the process and costs associated with the accelerated possession court fee to ensure that they are prepared for any financial implications that may arise during the eviction process.
The accelerated possession procedure is often used when a tenant has breached the terms of their tenancy agreement, such as failing to pay rent or causing damage to the property. It allows landlords to regain possession of their property without the need for a court hearing, provided that the correct procedures are followed.
To start the accelerated possession process, landlords must first serve their tenants with a Section 21 notice, giving them at least two months’ notice to vacate the property. Once this notice period has expired and the tenant has not vacated the property, landlords can then submit a claim for possession to the court.
When submitting a claim for possession through the accelerated possession procedure, landlords must pay the accelerated possession court fee of £355. This fee can be paid online or by cheque, and must be included with the claim form when it is submitted to the court.
Once the court has received the claim for possession and the accelerated possession court fee, they will review the claim and issue an order for possession if it is deemed to be valid. This order for possession will set out the date by which the tenant must vacate the property, typically within 14 days of the order being issued.
If the tenant does not vacate the property by the specified date, landlords may then apply to the court for a possession warrant, which allows bailiffs to physically evict the tenant from the property. There is an additional fee for the possession warrant, which is currently £121.
Overall, the accelerated possession procedure can be a quicker and more cost-effective way for landlords to regain possession of their property compared to the standard possession procedure, which requires a court hearing. However, it is essential for landlords to be aware of the costs involved, such as the accelerated possession court fee, to ensure that they are financially prepared for the eviction process.
In addition to the accelerated possession court fee, landlords may also incur other costs during the eviction process, such as legal fees, court fees for additional applications, and costs for repairing any damage caused by the tenant. Therefore, it is advisable for landlords to budget for these potential costs and seek legal advice if needed to navigate the eviction process successfully.
In conclusion, the accelerated possession court fee is an important cost that landlords must consider when pursuing eviction through the accelerated possession procedure. By understanding the process and costs associated with the accelerated possession court fee, landlords can better prepare for the eviction process and ensure that they regain possession of their property in a timely and efficient manner.