If you are a landlord facing the daunting task of evicting a tenant, you may have heard of an accelerated possession order as a possible solution This legal process allows landlords to fast-track an eviction without the need for a court hearing, as long as certain conditions are met But, one of the most common questions landlords have is – how long does it take to obtain an accelerated possession order?
An accelerated possession order is typically used in cases where the tenant has breached the terms of their tenancy agreement, such as failing to pay rent or causing significant damage to the property If you find yourself in this situation, you can apply for an accelerated possession order through the courts, but the process can vary in terms of how long it takes to be granted.
The first step in obtaining an accelerated possession order is to give your tenant a Section 21 notice This notice informs the tenant that you intend to regain possession of the property and must comply with the requirements set out in the Housing Act 1988 The notice must give the tenant at least two months’ notice to vacate the property, and it cannot expire before the end of the fixed term of the tenancy agreement.
Once the Section 21 notice has expired, you can then submit an application for an accelerated possession order to the court The court will review your application and, if everything is in order, they will issue the order accelerated possession order how long. In some cases, this process can be completed within a few weeks, but it is important to note that the timeline can vary depending on factors such as court backlog and the complexity of the case.
If your application for an accelerated possession order is successful, the court will issue a possession order, which gives the tenant a specified amount of time to vacate the property The tenant will usually have around 14 days to leave the property voluntarily, but if they fail to do so, you may need to apply for a bailiff to carry out the eviction.
In general, the entire process of obtaining an accelerated possession order can take anywhere from 6 weeks to several months, depending on the specific circumstances of the case It is important to be aware of the potential delays and to be prepared for the process to take longer than expected.
In some cases, landlords may encounter complications that can further prolong the process of obtaining an accelerated possession order For example, if the tenant disputes the eviction or raises any issues with the notice served, this can result in delays as the court will need to review the case more thoroughly.
To expedite the process of obtaining an accelerated possession order, it is essential to ensure that all the necessary documentation is in order and that you have followed the correct procedures It is also advisable to seek legal advice to navigate the process effectively and to increase the chances of success.
In conclusion, the length of time it takes to obtain an accelerated possession order can vary depending on various factors, but landlords can typically expect the process to take anywhere from 6 weeks to several months By following the correct procedures and seeking legal advice, landlords can increase their chances of a successful outcome and a smooth eviction process.