When a landlord needs to regain possession of their property from a tenant, they may choose to seek an Accelerated Possession Order (APO) This legal process allows landlords to expedite the eviction process without the need for a court hearing, provided that certain criteria are met One of the most common questions landlords have about APOs is: How long does it take to obtain one?
The exact timeline for obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the efficiency of the landlord in completing the necessary paperwork, and the workload of the court However, in general, the process typically takes around 6-8 weeks from start to finish.
Here is a breakdown of the steps involved in obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order and how long each step usually takes:
1 Serving a Section 21 Notice – Before a landlord can apply for an APO, they must serve their tenant with a Section 21 Notice, giving them at least two months’ notice to vacate the property Once the notice period has expired, the landlord can proceed with the application This step typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on how quickly the tenant responds.
2 Completing the Claim Form – The next step is to complete the Claim Form for Possession of Property, which is then submitted to the court along with the Section 21 Notice and other supporting documents This step usually takes around 1-2 weeks.
3 Court Processing – Once the court has received the Claim Form, they will process the application and issue an Order for Possession accelerated possession order how long. This step typically takes 4-6 weeks, depending on the workload of the court.
4 Serving the Order for Possession – The landlord must then serve the Order for Possession on the tenant, giving them a final deadline to vacate the property This step usually takes around 1-2 weeks.
5 Eviction – If the tenant fails to vacate the property by the deadline set out in the Order for Possession, the landlord can apply for a Warrant of Possession to have the tenant evicted by bailiffs This step typically takes around 1-2 weeks.
Overall, the process of obtaining an Accelerated Possession Order can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks, assuming that everything goes smoothly and there are no delays However, it’s important to note that this timeline is just an estimate and can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
Landlords should also be aware that the process may be delayed if the tenant decides to defend the eviction or raises any issues that need to be resolved in court In such cases, the landlord may need to attend a hearing, which can further prolong the process.
In conclusion, while an Accelerated Possession Order can provide a faster route to regaining possession of a property compared to other eviction methods, it still takes time to complete the process Landlords should be prepared for a timeline of around 6-8 weeks from start to finish and be proactive in completing the necessary steps to avoid any unnecessary delays.
Overall, an APO can be an effective tool for landlords to regain possession of their property quickly and efficiently, but it’s important to understand the process and timeline involved to manage expectations accordingly By following the correct procedures and seeking legal advice if needed, landlords can navigate the process smoothly and regain possession of their property in a timely manner.