The Order for Possession Accelerated Procedure, often referred to simply as accelerated possession, is a legal process in the UK that allows landlords to regain possession of their property quickly and efficiently This procedure is commonly used when a tenant has failed to pay rent, breached the terms of their tenancy agreement, or the landlord requires the property back for their own use
The accelerated possession procedure was introduced to provide landlords with a streamlined and cost-effective way to regain possession of their property without having to go through lengthy court proceedings It offers a faster alternative to the standard possession process, which can take months to complete.
To begin the accelerated possession procedure, the landlord must first provide the tenant with a Section 21 notice, giving them at least two months’ notice to vacate the property This notice must be in writing and comply with all legal requirements to be valid If the tenant fails to leave the property by the specified date, the landlord can then apply to the court for an order for possession.
When making an application for accelerated possession, landlords must submit the necessary paperwork and pay the court fees The court will then review the application and, if everything is in order, issue an order for possession This order gives the tenant a specified period of time to vacate the property, usually around 14 days.
If the tenant still refuses to leave after the expiry of the possession order, the landlord can then apply for a warrant of possession This allows court-appointed bailiffs to physically remove the tenant from the property if necessary.
There are several key benefits to using the accelerated possession procedure order for possession accelerated procedure. Firstly, it is a much quicker process than the standard possession route, allowing landlords to regain possession of their property in a matter of weeks rather than months This can be especially important in cases where the landlord needs the property back urgently.
Secondly, the accelerated possession procedure is typically more cost-effective than the standard possession process The court fees for accelerated possession are lower, and there are no court hearings required in most cases, which can save landlords time and money.
Another advantage of the accelerated possession procedure is that it is a more straightforward process for landlords to navigate Unlike the standard possession route, there are fewer opportunities for tenants to delay or contest the eviction, making it a more reliable option for landlords seeking to regain possession of their property.
Despite its efficiency and effectiveness, the accelerated possession procedure is not without its limitations For example, landlords cannot use accelerated possession if the tenant has failed to pay rent or breached the terms of their tenancy agreement in some way In these cases, landlords may need to pursue the standard possession route instead.
It is also important to note that accelerated possession is only available to landlords who have served the correct Section 21 notice on their tenants Landlords who have not followed the correct procedures or who have failed to provide the required notice may find their application for accelerated possession rejected by the court.
In conclusion, the Order for Possession Accelerated Procedure is a valuable tool for landlords seeking to regain possession of their property quickly and efficiently By following the correct procedures and meeting all legal requirements, landlords can use this process to remove non-compliant tenants and reclaim their property with minimal delay and expense.