When a landlord has a tenant who is not paying rent, causing damages to the property, or engaging in other lease violations, they may seek to regain possession of the property through legal means One option available to landlords in England and Wales is to apply for an accelerated possession order This legal process allows the landlord to gain possession of their property quickly and efficiently However, many landlords are unsure of how long it takes to obtain an accelerated possession order In this article, we will explore the timeline of the process and provide insight into how long it typically takes to secure an accelerated possession order.
The first step in obtaining an accelerated possession order is to serve a notice to the tenant There are different types of notices available, depending on the circumstances of the tenancy For example, if the tenant has not paid rent, the landlord can serve a Section 8 notice If the landlord simply wants the property back at the end of the tenancy, they can serve a Section 21 notice The notice will specify a deadline by which the tenant must vacate the property.
Once the notice period has elapsed, the landlord can apply to the court for an accelerated possession order This type of possession order is available for properties let under an assured shorthold tenancy, which is the most common type of tenancy in England and Wales The court will review the application and, if satisfied that the correct procedures have been followed, will usually grant the possession order without a hearing.
The timeline for obtaining an accelerated possession order can vary depending on a number of factors, including the workload of the court, the complexity of the case, and whether the tenant raises any legal defenses accelerated possession order how long. In general, however, the process typically takes around 6-8 weeks from the date of application to the date the possession order is granted.
After the possession order is granted, the tenant will be given a deadline by which they must vacate the property If the tenant fails to leave by the specified date, the landlord can apply to the court for a warrant of possession This document authorizes court bailiffs to evict the tenant forcibly if necessary The timeline for obtaining a warrant of possession can vary, but it usually takes around 4-6 weeks from the date of application.
Overall, the process of obtaining an accelerated possession order can take anywhere from 10 to 14 weeks from start to finish However, it is important to note that this timeline is just a rough estimate and can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case Landlords should be prepared for potential delays and should seek legal advice if they encounter any issues during the process.
In conclusion, an accelerated possession order can be a valuable tool for landlords seeking to regain possession of their property quickly and efficiently By following the correct procedures and seeking legal advice when necessary, landlords can navigate the process successfully and obtain a possession order in a timely manner While the timeline for obtaining an accelerated possession order can vary, it typically takes around 6-8 weeks from the date of application to the date the possession order is granted Landlords should be prepared for potential delays and should be aware of their rights and responsibilities throughout the process.