If you are a landlord looking to regain possession of your property, you may have heard of accelerated possession orders. This legal process can be a quicker and more straightforward way to evict tenants who are not complying with their tenancy agreements. But how long does it take to obtain an accelerated possession order, and what are the timescales involved?
An accelerated possession order is a court order that allows a landlord to evict tenants without the need for a hearing. This process is generally used in cases where the tenant has not paid rent or has breached the terms of their tenancy agreement. In order to obtain an accelerated possession order, the landlord must fill out a specific form and submit it to the court along with any supporting documents.
The timescales involved in obtaining an accelerated possession order can vary depending on the court’s workload and the complexity of the case. In general, however, the process typically takes around 6-10 weeks from the time the landlord submits the claim to the court to the actual possession order being granted.
The first step in the process is for the landlord to serve a Section 21 notice on the tenant. This notice informs the tenant that the landlord intends to take possession of the property and gives them a minimum of two months’ notice to vacate. Once the notice period has expired, the landlord can then submit a claim for possession to the court.
The court will then review the claim and, if everything is in order, issue a possession order. In some cases, the court may request additional information or evidence before granting the order, which can add to the timescales involved. Once the possession order has been granted, the landlord must then arrange for bailiffs to carry out the eviction, which typically takes around 2-4 weeks.
It is important to note that the timescales involved in obtaining an accelerated possession order can be affected by a number of factors, including the court’s workload, the complexity of the case, and any delays caused by the tenant. In some cases, obtaining an accelerated possession order can take longer than anticipated, so it is important for landlords to be prepared for potential delays.
There are a few things that landlords can do to help speed up the process of obtaining an accelerated possession order. First and foremost, it is important to ensure that all the necessary paperwork is completed accurately and submitted to the court in a timely manner. Any errors or omissions in the claim form or supporting documents can lead to delays in obtaining the possession order.
It is also important for landlords to keep in regular contact with the court and the tenant throughout the process. By staying informed about the status of the case and communicating effectively with all parties involved, landlords can help prevent any unnecessary delays in obtaining the possession order.
Overall, while the timescales involved in obtaining an accelerated possession order can vary, in most cases the process typically takes around 6-10 weeks from start to finish. By understanding the steps involved in obtaining an accelerated possession order and taking proactive measures to expedite the process, landlords can more effectively regain possession of their property in a timely manner.
In conclusion, accelerated possession order timescales can vary depending on a number of factors, but in general, the process typically takes around 6-10 weeks from the time the landlord submits the claim to the court to the actual possession order being granted. By following the necessary steps and staying proactive throughout the process, landlords can help ensure a smoother and more efficient eviction process.