For landlords seeking to regain possession of their property quickly and efficiently, an Accelerated Possession Order (APO) can be a useful legal tool. In order to obtain an APO, landlords must pay a court fee known as the accelerated possession order court fee. In this article, we will explore what the accelerated possession order court fee is, how much it costs, and what landlords need to know before proceeding with an APO.
What is an Accelerated Possession Order?
An Accelerated Possession Order is a fast-track procedure that allows landlords to evict tenants from their property without the need for a court hearing. This process is available to landlords who have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement in place and where the tenancy has come to an end.
In order to apply for an APO, landlords must first serve their tenants with a Section 21 Notice, giving them at least two months’ notice to vacate the property. If the tenants fail to leave by the specified date, landlords can then apply to the court for an APO.
What is the accelerated possession order court fee?
The accelerated possession order court fee is the fee that landlords must pay when applying for an APO. As of 2021, the court fee for an APO is £355 if the application is made online, or £355 if made by post. This fee is non-refundable, meaning that landlords will not receive a refund if their application is unsuccessful.
It is important to note that the court fee is separate from any legal fees that landlords may incur when seeking an APO. In addition to the court fee, landlords may also need to pay for legal advice and representation to navigate the APO process successfully.
How Much Does the accelerated possession order court fee Cost?
As mentioned earlier, the accelerated possession order court fee is £355 if the application is submitted online, or £355 if submitted by post. This fee is payable when landlords submit their application to the court, and must be paid in full in order for the application to be processed.
While £355 may seem like a significant expense, it is important to consider the potential benefits of obtaining an APO. By using this fast-track procedure, landlords can regain possession of their property more quickly than through other legal avenues, saving both time and money in the long run.
What Landlords Need to Know Before Applying for an APO
Before proceeding with an APO, landlords should consider whether this is the most appropriate course of action in their specific circumstances. While an APO can be a useful tool for evicting tenants quickly, it is not suitable for all situations.
Landlords should first ensure that they have followed all legal requirements when serving their tenants with a Section 21 Notice. This includes providing the correct notice period and ensuring that the notice is served in the proper manner. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in delays or even the dismissal of the APO application.
Additionally, landlords should be aware that an APO does not guarantee that tenants will vacate the property immediately. In some cases, tenants may choose to remain in the property even after an APO has been granted, which can lead to further legal proceedings to enforce the order.
In conclusion, the accelerated possession order court fee is an important consideration for landlords seeking to regain possession of their property quickly and efficiently. By understanding what the fee is, how much it costs, and what landlords need to know before applying for an APO, landlords can make informed decisions about whether this legal process is the right option for them.