If you are a landlord faced with difficult tenants who are not paying rent, causing damage to the property, or engaging in illegal activities on your premises, you may need to seek an accelerated possession order to regain possession of your property An accelerated possession order allows a landlord to evict tenants without having to prove grounds for eviction, as long as certain criteria are met.
The process of obtaining an accelerated possession order can be complex and time-consuming, but understanding the timescales involved can help landlords navigate the process more efficiently In this article, we will discuss the timelines associated with accelerated possession orders and provide tips for expediting the process.
The first step in obtaining an accelerated possession order is serving a Section 21 notice to your tenants This notice informs the tenants that you intend to regain possession of the property and gives them a minimum of two months’ notice to vacate Once the notice period has expired, you can apply to the court for an accelerated possession order.
The court will review your application and, if everything is in order, will issue a possession order without a hearing This streamlined process is designed to expedite evictions in cases where tenants are not contesting the eviction The timescales for obtaining an accelerated possession order can vary depending on the court’s workload and the complexity of the case.
In general, the court will aim to issue a possession order within 14-28 days of receiving your application However, delays can occur if there are errors in your paperwork or if the court is experiencing a high volume of cases To expedite the process, make sure all your documents are filed correctly and double-check for any mistakes before submitting your application.
Once the possession order has been issued, the tenants will have a specified period of time to vacate the property If they fail to leave by the deadline, you can apply for a warrant of possession, which allows bailiffs to physically remove the tenants from the premises accelerated possession order timescales. The timescales for obtaining a warrant of possession can vary, but in general, the court will aim to issue the warrant within 14-28 days of receiving your application.
To expedite the process of obtaining a warrant of possession, make sure you have all the necessary documents and information ready to submit to the court This includes a copy of the possession order, evidence that the tenants have not vacated the property, and any other relevant information that supports your application.
In cases where tenants are contesting the eviction or there are disputes over rent arrears or damages to the property, the process of obtaining an accelerated possession order can take longer The court may schedule a hearing to hear both sides of the case and make a decision based on the evidence presented This can add weeks or even months to the overall timescales involved in obtaining a possession order.
To expedite the process in contested cases, try to resolve any disputes with your tenants before applying for an accelerated possession order If a hearing is necessary, make sure you have all the evidence and documents you need to present your case effectively Working with a solicitor who specializes in landlord-tenant law can also help navigate the complexities of contested evictions and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
In conclusion, the timescales for obtaining an accelerated possession order can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case and the workload of the court By understanding the process and being prepared with all the necessary documentation, you can help expedite the process and regain possession of your property more quickly If you are facing difficulties with tenants and need to obtain an accelerated possession order, seek legal advice and guidance to ensure a smooth and efficient eviction process.