As a landlord, one of the most frustrating aspects of renting out a property can be dealing with difficult tenants who refuse to leave when their tenancy agreement has expired In cases like these, landlords often turn to the courts to obtain an Accelerated Possession Order to regain possession of their property However, the process of obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order can be time-consuming and complex, with strict timescales that must be adhered to in order to successfully evict the tenant.
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 much quicker and more cost-effective way of evicting a tenant compared to traditional possession proceedings However, it is important for landlords to understand the timescales involved in obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order in order to ensure a successful outcome.
The first step in obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order is to serve a Section 21 notice on the tenant This notice informs the tenant that the landlord wishes to regain possession of the property and gives them a minimum of two months’ notice to vacate Once the Section 21 notice has expired, the landlord can then apply to the court for an Accelerated Possession Order.
The court will then issue an Accelerated Possession Order if the landlord has followed the correct procedure and the tenant has not raised any valid defences Once the Accelerated Possession Order has been granted, the court will usually give the tenant a further 14 days to vacate the property accelerated possession order timescales. If the tenant fails to leave by this deadline, the landlord can then apply for a warrant of possession, which allows bailiffs to physically evict the tenant.
The timescales involved in obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order can vary depending on the individual circumstances of the case In general, it can take between 4-8 weeks from serving the Section 21 notice to obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order However, this timeline can be longer if the tenant raises valid defences or if there are delays in the court process.
It is important for landlords to be aware of the timescales involved in obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order and to take proactive steps to ensure a successful outcome This includes serving the Section 21 notice correctly, following the correct court procedures, and seeking legal advice if necessary.
Landlords should also be aware that the courts are currently experiencing backlogs due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which may result in longer waiting times for Accelerated Possession Orders It is therefore important for landlords to be patient and to be prepared for potential delays in the process.
In conclusion, understanding the timescales involved in obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order is crucial for landlords who are looking to regain possession of their property By following the correct procedures and seeking legal advice if necessary, landlords can navigate the process successfully and ensure a swift resolution to any tenancy disputes.