Understanding The Accelerated Possession Court Fee

When landlords find themselves in a situation where they need to regain possession of their property quickly, one option available to them is accelerated possession. This process allows landlords to evict tenants without attending a court hearing, making it a faster and more efficient way to reclaim their property. However, there are certain fees associated with accelerated possession, including the accelerated possession court fee.

What is accelerated possession?

Accelerated possession is a legal process that allows landlords to regain possession of their property under Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreements without having to attend a court hearing. This process is typically used when tenants have breached their tenancy agreement, such as not paying rent or causing damage to the property.

To use accelerated possession, landlords must first serve a Section 21 notice to their tenants, giving them at least two months’ notice to vacate the property. If the tenants fail to leave by the specified date, the landlord can apply to the court for a possession order without having to attend a hearing.

What is the accelerated possession court fee?

When applying for accelerated possession, landlords are required to pay a court fee to cover the cost of processing their application. As of 2021, the accelerated possession court fee is £355 for online applications and £355 for paper applications. The fee must be paid at the time of submitting the application, and failure to do so may result in the application being rejected.

It is important to note that the accelerated possession court fee is in addition to any other costs associated with the eviction process, such as legal fees or enforcement costs. Landlords should budget for these additional expenses when considering accelerated possession as an option for regaining possession of their property.

Why is the accelerated possession court fee important?

The accelerated possession court fee is an essential part of the eviction process, as it ensures that landlords are held accountable for the costs associated with regaining possession of their property. By charging a fee for accelerated possession, the court is able to cover the administrative costs of processing these types of applications.

Additionally, the court fee acts as a deterrent for landlords who may be considering using accelerated possession as a way to evict tenants without following the proper legal procedures. By imposing a fee for accelerated possession, the court is sending a message that landlords must adhere to the law and respect the rights of their tenants.

How to pay the accelerated possession court fee

Landlords can pay the accelerated possession court fee online using a debit or credit card when submitting their application through the court’s online portal. Alternatively, landlords can pay the fee by cheque if submitting a paper application. It is important to ensure that the correct fee is paid at the time of application to avoid any delays or complications in the eviction process.

In some cases, landlords may be eligible for fee remission if they meet certain criteria, such as being in receipt of certain benefits or having a low income. Landlords should check with the court to see if they qualify for fee remission before submitting their application.

Conclusion

The accelerated possession court fee is an important aspect of the eviction process for landlords seeking to regain possession of their property quickly. By charging a fee for accelerated possession, the court is able to cover the administrative costs of processing these types of applications and ensure that landlords follow the proper legal procedures when evicting tenants.

While the accelerated possession court fee may seem like an additional expense for landlords, it is a necessary cost to ensure that the eviction process is carried out fairly and efficiently. Landlords should be aware of the fee and budget accordingly when considering accelerated possession as an option for regaining possession of their property.