If you are a landlord dealing with problematic tenants who refuse to vacate your property, you may consider obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order (APO) to regain possession of your premises. However, it is crucial to understand the costs involved in obtaining an APO before proceeding with the legal process. In this article, we will outline the various expenses associated with obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order, commonly referred to as “accelerated possession order cost.”
An Accelerated Possession Order is a legal procedure that allows landlords to quickly regain possession of their property without the need for a court hearing. This expedited process can save landlords time and money compared to traditional possession proceedings. However, landlords should be aware that there are several costs involved in obtaining an APO.
The first cost to consider when obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order is the court fee. In England, the current court fee for applying for an APO is £355. This fee must be paid when submitting the application to the court. Failure to pay the court fee will result in your application being rejected, so it is essential to budget for this expense when considering obtaining an APO.
In addition to the court fee, landlords may also incur legal fees when applying for an Accelerated Possession Order. While it is possible to complete the APO application process without legal representation, many landlords choose to seek the assistance of a solicitor to ensure that the application is completed correctly and in compliance with all legal requirements. Legal fees can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the solicitor’s hourly rate, so it is essential to obtain quotes from several solicitors before proceeding with your application.
Another cost to consider when obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order is the cost of serving notice on the tenant. Before applying for an APO, landlords must serve a notice seeking possession on the tenant. This notice informs the tenant that the landlord intends to seek possession of the property and provides a deadline for the tenant to vacate voluntarily. The cost of serving notice on the tenant will depend on the method of service chosen, such as first-class post, recorded delivery, or personal service by a process server.
If the tenant fails to vacate the property by the deadline specified in the notice seeking possession, the landlord can proceed with the APO application. Once the court has issued the Accelerated Possession Order, landlords may also incur additional costs if the tenant still refuses to vacate the property voluntarily. In such cases, landlords may need to pay for bailiff services to evict the tenant forcibly. The cost of bailiff services can vary depending on the bailiff’s fees and the number of attempts required to successfully evict the tenant.
Overall, the cost of obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order can add up quickly for landlords. However, it is important to consider the long-term benefits of regaining possession of your property and the potential financial losses associated with having non-paying or troublesome tenants occupying your premises. By understanding the costs involved in obtaining an APO and budgeting accordingly, landlords can navigate the legal process more effectively and protect their investment.
In conclusion, obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order can be a costly but necessary step for landlords dealing with problem tenants. By understanding the various expenses involved in the APO process, landlords can make informed decisions and budget accordingly to regain possession of their property efficiently. While the accelerated possession order cost may seem daunting, the benefits of regaining control of your property and removing problematic tenants can outweigh the financial outlay in the long run.