When it comes to property ownership, there may come a time when a landlord needs to regain possession of their property from a tenant. In such cases, the landlord can seek a court order for possession of the property. One option available to landlords in England and Wales is the accelerated possession procedure, which allows for a quicker and more straightforward process for regaining possession of a property. However, there are costs involved in pursuing accelerated possession, including court fees.
The accelerated possession procedure is available to landlords who wish to evict tenants under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement. This procedure is typically used when the tenant has breached the terms of the tenancy agreement, such as failing to pay rent or causing damage to the property. The accelerated possession procedure is designed to be faster and more cost-effective than the standard possession process, as it does not require a court hearing.
One of the costs associated with pursuing accelerated possession is the court fee. The current court fee for filing an accelerated possession claim is £355. This fee must be paid when submitting the claim form to the court. It is important to note that this fee is subject to change, so landlords should check the most up-to-date fees before starting the process.
In addition to the court fee, landlords may also incur other costs when pursuing accelerated possession. For example, there may be costs associated with serving notices on the tenant, such as a Section 21 notice or a Section 8 notice. Landlords may also need to pay for legal representation or advice, depending on the complexity of the case.
It is worth noting that the court fee for accelerated possession is non-refundable, even if the application is unsuccessful. This means that landlords should carefully consider whether pursuing accelerated possession is the best course of action before proceeding with the claim.
There are some circumstances in which the court fee for accelerated possession may be waived or reduced. For example, landlords who are in receipt of certain means-tested benefits may be eligible for fee remission. Landlords should check with the court or seek legal advice to determine whether they are eligible for fee remission.
It is important for landlords to be aware of the costs associated with accelerated possession before initiating the process. By understanding the fees involved, landlords can make informed decisions about whether pursuing accelerated possession is the right course of action for their situation. Landlords should also be aware of any deadlines for payment of fees and ensure that they have the necessary funds available to cover the costs.
In conclusion, the accelerated possession court fee is an important consideration for landlords who are seeking to regain possession of their property from a tenant. By understanding the costs involved and being aware of any potential fee waivers or reductions, landlords can make informed decisions about whether to pursue accelerated possession. It is essential for landlords to seek legal advice and carefully consider their options before initiating the accelerated possession process.