When a landlord is faced with a difficult tenant who refuses to leave the property even after the tenancy agreement has ended, they may need to seek legal assistance to regain possession of the property One of the common legal procedures that can be pursued in such situations is an accelerated possession order But how long does it take for an accelerated possession order to be granted? Let’s delve into the details.
An accelerated possession order is a way for landlords to expedite the process of gaining possession of their property without the need for a court hearing It is typically used for assured shorthold tenancies that have come to an end and where the tenant has failed to vacate the property This type of possession order is faster than the standard possession order process, as it relies on paperwork rather than a court hearing.
The first step in obtaining an accelerated possession order is to serve a Section 21 notice to the tenant This notice informs the tenant that the landlord wishes to regain possession of the property and provides them with a minimum of two months’ notice to vacate Once the notice period has expired and the tenant has not vacated the property, the landlord can apply to the court for an accelerated possession order.
The court will review the landlord’s application and supporting documents to ensure that everything is in order If the court is satisfied with the paperwork, they will issue the accelerated possession order accelerated possession order how long. This process typically takes around 6-8 weeks from the date of application to the date of possession being granted.
It is important to note that the timeframe for obtaining an accelerated possession order may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case Factors such as the complexity of the case, the workload of the court, and any objections raised by the tenant can all impact the time it takes to obtain an order.
If the tenant raises any valid objections to the accelerated possession order, the court may need to schedule a hearing to resolve the issues This can further delay the process and extend the time it takes to regain possession of the property.
In some cases, landlords may encounter difficulties in obtaining an accelerated possession order due to errors or omissions in the paperwork If the court finds any deficiencies in the application, they may request additional information or documentation from the landlord, which can prolong the process.
It is important for landlords to ensure that they follow the correct procedures and submit all necessary documents accurately and in a timely manner to avoid unnecessary delays in obtaining an accelerated possession order.
Once the accelerated possession order has been granted, the tenant will be given a final deadline to vacate the property If the tenant fails to leave by the specified date, the landlord can apply for a warrant of possession, which allows bailiffs to physically remove the tenant from the property.
In conclusion, while an accelerated possession order can provide landlords with a faster and more efficient way to regain possession of their property, the process can still take several weeks to complete Landlords should be prepared for potential delays and ensure that they follow the correct procedures to avoid unnecessary complications By understanding the timeframe involved in obtaining an accelerated possession order, landlords can better plan and manage the process effectively.