When it comes to renting out a property, landlords are faced with various challenges, including dealing with troublesome tenants In some cases, tenants may refuse to leave the property even after their tenancy has ended or they have violated the terms of the lease This is where an accelerated possession order comes into play However, obtaining such an order comes at a cost In this article, we will discuss the costs associated with obtaining an accelerated possession order.
An accelerated possession order is a legal process that allows landlords to regain possession of their property without the need for a court hearing This can be a quicker and more cost-effective option compared to other eviction methods, such as a standard possession order However, landlords should be aware of the various costs involved in obtaining an accelerated possession order.
The first cost that landlords need to consider is the court fee In order to apply for an accelerated possession order, landlords must submit Form N5B to the court along with the relevant court fee As of 2021, the court fee for an accelerated possession order is £355 This fee is non-refundable, so landlords should be prepared to pay this cost regardless of the outcome of their application.
In addition to the court fee, landlords may also incur additional costs such as legal fees While landlords are not required to hire a solicitor to apply for an accelerated possession order, it is highly recommended to seek legal advice to ensure that the application is completed correctly and in compliance with the law The cost of hiring a solicitor can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the solicitor’s fees accelerated possession order cost. Landlords should budget for these potential legal fees when considering the overall cost of obtaining an accelerated possession order.
Another cost that landlords should be aware of is the cost of serving notice to the tenant Before applying for an accelerated possession order, landlords are required to serve a Section 21 notice to the tenant, giving them a minimum of two months’ notice to vacate the property Landlords can serve the notice themselves or hire a professional process server to deliver the notice on their behalf The cost of hiring a process server can range from £50 to £200, depending on the location and urgency of the service.
Furthermore, landlords should also take into account the cost of enforcement if the tenant refuses to vacate the property voluntarily after the accelerated possession order has been granted In such cases, landlords may need to apply for a warrant of possession to have the tenant physically removed from the property by bailiffs The cost of applying for a warrant of possession is £121 as of 2021 Landlords should be prepared to cover this additional cost if enforcement action is necessary.
It is important for landlords to carefully consider the total cost of obtaining an accelerated possession order before proceeding with the application While an accelerated possession order can be a quicker and more efficient way to regain possession of a property, landlords should be aware of the potential financial implications involved in the process By budgeting for the various costs associated with obtaining an accelerated possession order, landlords can make an informed decision on whether pursuing this legal remedy is the right course of action in their particular situation.
In conclusion, the costs of obtaining an accelerated possession order should not be overlooked by landlords facing difficulties with non-compliant tenants From court fees to legal fees to enforcement costs, landlords should be prepared to incur various expenses throughout the process By understanding and budgeting for these costs, landlords can navigate the legal system more effectively and protect their property rights.