If you are a landlord who is dealing with a problem tenant, you may be considering taking legal action to regain possession of your property. One common method of doing so is through the accelerated possession procedure. However, before you proceed with this route, it is important to understand the associated costs, including the accelerated possession court fee.
The accelerated possession court fee is a fee that must be paid when applying to the court for possession of a property under the accelerated possession procedure. This fee is in addition to any other costs you may incur throughout the legal process. The current fee for this service is £355, as of 2021.
The accelerated possession procedure is often chosen by landlords as it is a quicker and more straightforward process compared to the standard possession procedure. This procedure is used in cases where the tenant has not responded to a Section 21 notice or an agreement has been reached with the tenant for them to vacate the property by a certain date.
In order to apply for accelerated possession, landlords must fill out the appropriate forms and submit them to the court along with the required fee. The court will review the application and, if everything is in order, will issue a possession order. This order will give the tenant a date by which they must vacate the property, typically within 14 days.
It is important to note that the accelerated possession court fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the case. This means that if the court does not grant the possession order, you will not be able to recoup the money you spent on the fee. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you have followed all legal procedures correctly before submitting your application to the court.
While the accelerated possession court fee may seem like an additional expense, it is a necessary cost for landlords who are seeking to regain possession of their property quickly and efficiently. By choosing this route, landlords can avoid lengthy court proceedings and potentially save money in the long run.
In some cases, landlords may be eligible for fee remission or a discount on the accelerated possession court fee. This may be available to those who are in receipt of certain benefits or have a low income. If you believe you may qualify for fee remission, it is important to check with the court before submitting your application.
It is also worth noting that the accelerated possession court fee is just one part of the overall cost of regaining possession of your property. Landlords may also incur costs for legal representation, serving notice to the tenant, and any enforcement action that may be required. Therefore, it is crucial to factor these additional expenses into your budget when considering taking legal action against a problem tenant.
In conclusion, the accelerated possession court fee is an important cost to be aware of when seeking to regain possession of your property through the accelerated possession procedure. While it may seem like an added expense, this fee is a necessary part of the legal process and can help landlords to resolve disputes with problem tenants quickly and efficiently. By understanding the costs associated with accelerated possession, landlords can make informed decisions about the best course of action for their specific situation.