When it comes to dealing with troublesome tenants who refuse to vacate a property, landlords often turn to legal measures such as an accelerated possession order This legal process allows landlords to regain possession of their property quickly and efficiently, but many landlords are left wondering: how long does it take to obtain an accelerated possession order? In this article, we will delve into the timeline of an accelerated possession order and provide insights into the process.
An accelerated possession order is a legal procedure used by landlords to evict tenants without the need for a court hearing This process is typically used in cases where the tenant has breached their tenancy agreement or has failed to vacate the property after receiving a valid notice to quit Unlike a standard possession order, which requires a court hearing, an accelerated possession order is based solely on written evidence and can be obtained relatively quickly.
The first step in obtaining an accelerated possession order is to serve the tenant with a Section 21 notice This notice informs the tenant that the landlord wishes to regain possession of the property and provides a minimum of two months’ notice for the tenant to vacate Once the Section 21 notice has expired and the tenant has not vacated the property, the landlord can then submit an application for an accelerated possession order to the court.
The court will typically review the landlord’s application and make a decision within a few weeks If the court is satisfied that the landlord has followed the correct legal procedures and that the tenant has no valid defense, they will issue an order for possession accelerated possession order how long. In most cases, the entire process of obtaining an accelerated possession order can take anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks, though it may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
It is important for landlords to ensure that they have followed all the necessary legal procedures when applying for an accelerated possession order, as any mistakes or oversights could result in delays For example, if the landlord has not served the tenant with a valid Section 21 notice or if the notice is found to be defective, the court may dismiss the application and require the landlord to start the process again from scratch.
Once the accelerated possession order has been granted, the tenant will be given a specified period of time to vacate the property, typically around 14 days If the tenant fails to vacate by the specified date, the landlord can apply for a warrant of possession, which allows bailiffs to physically remove the tenant from the property This final step in the eviction process can take an additional 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the availability of the bailiffs and the workload of the court.
Overall, the timeline of obtaining an accelerated possession order can vary depending on a number of factors, including the efficiency of the court system, the complexity of the case, and whether the tenant decides to contest the eviction However, in most cases, landlords can expect the entire process to take between 2 to 4 months from start to finish.
In conclusion, an accelerated possession order can be a valuable tool for landlords seeking to regain possession of their property from troublesome tenants By following the correct legal procedures and being prepared for potential delays, landlords can navigate the process successfully and reclaim their property in a timely manner.