We have recently launched a fixed-fee, 3-stage service to help landlords regain possession of their properties. This is available to landlords who have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, where the fixed period of the tenancy has either expired or is due to expire, and the landlord does not want or need to recover rent arrears.
Landlords can either use some or all of the service from start to finish and pay a fixed fee for each part without having to worry about open-ended legal costs.
Even with the best vetting and tenant references procedures landlords can still experience problems with tenants. This is where we can help by using the accelerated possession procedure to regain possession of your clients’ property for a fixed fee.
Our approach as solicitors is different in that we offer a fixed cost service rather than charge on the standard retainer hourly basis- we don’t charge the client every time they phone in to check on progress etc. The landlord will be able to pay the money and leave the hassle to us, in most cases just requiring their signature when we have completed the claim form and supporting evidence.
Our firm can take the hassle out of each stage of the process if the lease in question:
- is a valid Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement
- the fixed period of the tenancy has expired or is due to expire
- the landlord does not want/need to recover rent arrears
Stage 1: Serving a valid Section 21 Notice
We will draft and serve a valid Section 21 notice for a fixed fee, the important first step in gaining possession of your property.
Stage 2: Accelerated Possession Procedure
After the Section 21 notice has been served and 2 months have passed, we can complete the claim form with additional accompanying evidence and issue the claim at Court for a fixed fee, along with the Court Fee.
The vast majority of applications are dealt with on the papers alone and do not normally require a Court Hearing. In the absence of any Defence from the tenant, we will apply for judgment in default on behalf of the landlord.
If a hearing is necessary we will be able to attend on behalf of the landlord and will discuss a competitive fee based on the facts.
Stage 3: Instructing Bailiffs to evict tenants
If the tenant fails to leave the property by the last date Ordered by the Court, we can assist in instructing the Court bailiffs to attend the property to evict the tenants.
Landlords can use some or all of this service from start to finish and pay one fixed fee for each part. The advantage is that we can help at every stage, whether we assisted in the previous stage or not. A landlord may try to tackle this themselves but hit some difficulties, this is where we can step in and assist. An example may be that the landlord has served a notice but the tenant still stays in the property. We can issue proceedings and get the Court Order. The landlord may then be happy to instruct the bailiffs themselves. It can be looked at as very much a ‘pick and mix’ service.
With the monthly income on properties rented out so high, the fixed fees paid to us will quickly be retrieved by evicting the tenant and replacing with a paying tenant. Every month that a non paying tenant is sitting in the property, it is costing the landlord money.
