When it comes to being a landlord, there are many responsibilities and challenges that come with the territory One such challenge is dealing with difficult tenants who refuse to vacate a property even after their tenancy agreement has ended In situations like these, landlords may need to seek an Accelerated Possession Order (APO) to regain possession of their property.
An APO is a legal process that allows landlords to expedite the eviction of tenants who have failed to vacate the property after receiving a Section 21 notice While an APO can provide a quicker route to regaining possession of a property compared to other eviction procedures, it is important for landlords to be aware of the costs associated with obtaining an APO.
Legal Fees
One of the main costs associated with obtaining an APO is legal fees Landlords who wish to apply for an APO must seek the assistance of a solicitor to help them navigate the legal process The solicitor will prepare the necessary paperwork, file the application with the court, and represent the landlord at the hearing.
The cost of legal fees can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the hourly rate of the solicitor On average, the legal fees for obtaining an APO can range from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds It is important for landlords to budget for these costs before proceeding with an APO to avoid any financial surprises.
Court Fees
In addition to legal fees, landlords must also pay court fees when applying for an APO The current court fee for filing an application for an APO is £355 accelerated possession order cost. However, it is important to note that court fees are subject to change, so landlords should check the most up-to-date fees before submitting their application.
It is essential for landlords to factor in court fees when calculating the overall cost of obtaining an APO Failure to pay the court fees can result in delays or the rejection of the application, so it is crucial to budget accordingly.
Enforcement Costs
Once an APO has been granted by the court, landlords may still incur additional costs related to enforcing the possession order In some cases, tenants may refuse to vacate the property voluntarily, and landlords may need to enlist the services of bailiffs to physically remove the tenants from the premises.
The cost of hiring bailiffs to enforce the possession order can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case Landlords should budget for this potential expense and be prepared to cover the cost of enforcing the possession order if necessary.
Lost Rent
Another cost that landlords may incur when seeking an APO is lost rent While the process of obtaining an APO can be quicker than other eviction procedures, there is still a period of time during which the property is not generating rental income.
Landlords should consider the potential loss of rental income when budgeting for the costs of obtaining an APO It is important to plan ahead and have contingency measures in place to cover any financial gaps during this period.
Overall, the cost of obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case Landlords should be prepared to budget for legal fees, court fees, enforcement costs, and potential lost rent when pursuing an APO By understanding the costs associated with obtaining an APO, landlords can make informed decisions and take the necessary steps to regain possession of their property.