As a landlord, one of the most frustrating aspects of renting out a property can be dealing with tenants who refuse to vacate the premises after their tenancy has ended In such cases, the legal process of obtaining possession of the property can be both time-consuming and costly However, there is an option available to landlords that can expedite the process: the accelerated possession order.
An accelerated possession order is a legal procedure that allows landlords to regain possession of their property without the need for a court hearing This can significantly reduce the timescales involved in the eviction process, making it a popular option for landlords who are keen to avoid lengthy delays However, it is important for landlords to be aware of the timescales involved in obtaining an accelerated possession order in order to effectively navigate the process.
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 specifies the date by which the tenant must vacate the premises The notice must comply with all the necessary legal requirements in order to be valid, so landlords must ensure that they follow the correct procedures when serving the notice.
Once the Section 21 notice has been served, the landlord must wait for the notice period to expire before applying for an accelerated possession order The notice period is typically two months, although it can vary depending on the terms of the tenancy agreement After the notice period has passed, the landlord can submit an application for an accelerated possession order to the court.
The court will review the application and, if satisfied that it is valid, will issue an order for possession accelerated possession order timescales. This order will specify the date by which the tenant must vacate the property, which is typically within 14 days of the order being issued Once the order has been granted, the landlord can take the necessary steps to enforce it and regain possession of the property.
In total, the timescales involved in obtaining an accelerated possession order can vary depending on the efficiency of the court and the specific circumstances of the case However, in general, landlords can expect the process to take around 4-6 weeks from the date of serving the Section 21 notice to obtaining possession of the property This makes accelerated possession orders a much quicker option than the standard possession proceedings, which can take several months to resolve.
It is important for landlords to bear in mind that the timescales involved in obtaining an accelerated possession order can be affected by a number of factors For example, if the tenant disputes the possession order or raises a counterclaim, this can delay the process significantly Similarly, if the landlord makes any errors in the application for the order, this can also lead to delays.
In order to avoid unnecessary delays, landlords should ensure that they follow the correct procedures when serving the Section 21 notice and submitting the application for the accelerated possession order It is also important for landlords to keep track of all communications with the tenant and to document any relevant information, as this can help to support their case if any disputes arise.
Overall, accelerated possession orders can be a valuable tool for landlords who are looking to regain possession of their property quickly and efficiently By understanding the timescales involved in the process and taking the necessary steps to expedite it, landlords can navigate the eviction process with minimal delays.