When it comes to dealing with problem tenants who refuse to vacate a rental property, landlords often turn to legal measures such as obtaining an accelerated possession order This legal process allows landlords to regain possession of their property quickly and efficiently However, like any legal action, there are costs associated with obtaining an accelerated possession order In this article, we will discuss the various costs involved in obtaining an accelerated possession order and provide some guidance on how landlords can manage these costs effectively.
The primary cost associated with obtaining an accelerated possession order is the court fees In England and Wales, the current court fee for obtaining an accelerated possession order is £355 This fee covers the cost of processing the application and scheduling a court hearing It is important to note that this fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the court hearing Therefore, landlords should carefully consider whether pursuing an accelerated possession order is the right course of action before submitting their application.
In addition to court fees, landlords may also incur legal fees if they choose to hire a solicitor to represent them in court The cost of legal representation can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the experience of the solicitor Some solicitors may charge an hourly rate, while others may offer a fixed fee for handling the entire case Landlords should shop around for solicitors and obtain quotes to ensure they are getting the best value for their money.
Another cost to consider when obtaining an accelerated possession order is the cost of serving legal notices to the tenant accelerated possession order cost. Before applying for an accelerated possession order, landlords must first serve a Section 21 notice to the tenant, informing them of the landlord’s intention to regain possession of the property This notice must be served correctly in order for the court to grant the possession order Landlords can choose to serve the notice themselves or hire a process server to do it for them Process serving fees typically range from £50 to £150, depending on the location of the property and the urgency of the service.
It is also important for landlords to consider the cost of enforcing the possession order if the tenant fails to vacate the property voluntarily In such cases, landlords may need to hire bailiffs to carry out the eviction The cost of hiring bailiffs can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, but it is not uncommon for landlords to pay several hundred pounds for this service Landlords should be prepared for this additional expense and budget accordingly.
Despite the costs involved, obtaining an accelerated possession order can be a worthwhile investment for landlords facing difficult tenants By regaining possession of their property quickly and efficiently, landlords can minimize their financial losses and move on to new tenants who will pay rent on time and take care of the property However, it is important for landlords to weigh the costs against the potential benefits and consider alternative solutions before pursuing legal action.
In conclusion, the costs of obtaining an accelerated possession order can add up quickly, but with careful planning and consideration, landlords can manage these costs effectively and achieve a successful outcome By understanding the various costs involved and seeking advice from legal professionals, landlords can navigate the legal process with confidence and regain possession of their property in a timely manner.