When it comes to dealing with rental properties, landlords may find themselves in situations where they need to regain possession of their property from tenants who have failed to comply with the terms of their tenancy agreement. In such cases, landlords may opt to use the accelerated possession procedure to expedite the process of evicting tenants. However, one cost that landlords need to be aware of is the accelerated possession court fee.
The accelerated possession court fee is a fee that landlords must pay when applying for an accelerated possession order through the court. This fee is in addition to any other costs associated with the eviction process, such as legal fees or court costs. Understanding this fee and how it is calculated is important for landlords who are considering using the accelerated possession procedure.
The accelerated possession court fee is set by the government and is subject to change. As of 2021, the fee is typically around £355 for cases where possession is sought solely on the grounds of a Section 21 notice, and around £325 for cases where possession is sought on other grounds. It is important for landlords to check the latest fee schedule before proceeding with an accelerated possession application to ensure that they are aware of the current fee.
The accelerated possession court fee must be paid at the time of submitting the application for an accelerated possession order. Failure to pay the fee could result in the application being rejected by the court, delaying the eviction process and potentially costing landlords more time and money. It is therefore essential for landlords to budget for the court fee when planning to use the accelerated possession procedure.
In some cases, landlords may be able to apply for a fee waiver or reduction based on their financial circumstances. Landlords who are on a low income or in receipt of certain benefits may be eligible for a fee remission, which could significantly reduce the cost of applying for an accelerated possession order. It is advisable for landlords to check with the court or seek legal advice to determine if they are eligible for a fee waiver or reduction.
It is also worth noting that the accelerated possession court fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application. This means that landlords will not be able to recover the fee if their application is unsuccessful or if the possession order is not granted by the court. Landlords should therefore carefully consider the merits of their case before proceeding with an accelerated possession application to avoid incurring unnecessary costs.
In addition to the accelerated possession court fee, landlords should also be aware of other costs that may be associated with the eviction process. These may include legal fees, court costs, and potential damages or unpaid rent owed by the tenant. Landlords should factor in these additional costs when budgeting for an accelerated possession application to ensure that they are prepared for any potential expenses that may arise.
Overall, the accelerated possession court fee is an important cost that landlords need to consider when using the accelerated possession procedure to regain possession of their property. Being aware of the fee, how it is calculated, and any potential fee waivers or reductions that may be available can help landlords navigate the eviction process more effectively and avoid any unnecessary costs. By understanding the accelerated possession court fee, landlords can better prepare for the eviction process and protect their rights as property owners.