Once you are in a position to serve a valid notice seeking possession, our landlord and tenant specialists are able to offer fixed fees to enable you to budget for each step of the possession process.
Step one: review of the tenancy file and if necessary, prepare section 8 and/or section 21 notice(s) - £500 + VAT
We will review your tenancy file to ensure that all the relevant documents and information has been provided to the tenant to ensure that any notice already served has been done so validly.
If necessary, we will draft and provide the relevant notice(s) for service in the correct forms in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. We will record and report on all relevant dates and keep you updated throughout the process. We can serve the notice(s) for you, dependent on your requirements.
Step two: issue accelerated section 21 proceedings - £600 + VAT and disbursements*
We will prepare and submit your claim for possession at court, keeping you updated throughout the process and provide a copy of the order of possession once secured.
This is based on there being no defence submitted in response to your claim. If a defence is received, our specialists will provide you with a clear cost estimate going forwards tailored to the next steps in your case.
Issue possession proceedings (section 8 proceedings) - £900 + VAT and disbursements*
We will draft and issue the required court documents. We will liaise with the court and record and report on all upcoming deadlines. This fee includes all costs up to and including preparation for the first hearing which covers the preparation of a witness statement, a cost schedule and arranging representation at the hearing for you.
If the first hearing is adjourned for reasons beyond our control or the proceedings continue beyond a first hearing (for example, if a defence is submitted by the tenant), we will provide you with a clear cost estimate going forwards tailored to the next steps in your case.
Step three: application for a warrant of possession - £300 + VAT and disbursements*
We will prepare and issue the warrant application required to arrange an appointment for the court bailiff to secure possession of the property for you. Once a date for the warrant to be executed has been set, you will be required to arrange for a locksmith to attend the property to change the locks once possession has been secured by the bailiff.
Step one: instruct a trace agent and review the prospects of recovery - £250 + VAT and disbursements*
We will instruct a trace agent and report to you with advice on the merits of pursuing a claim against the of the tenant and/or guarantor given the findings of the trace agent.
Step two: prepare and send a letter before action - £300 + VAT
You will be provided with a letter before claim, relying on the relevant supporting documents which detail the chronology of the case and sets out the legal principles on which you will rely to successfully pursue a claim against the tenant and/or guarantor. We keep you appraised of the deadlines by which a response is required and next steps pending the response (or lack of) from the tenant and/or guarantor.
Step three: issue court proceedings - £750 + VAT plus disbursements*
If court proceedings are required, we will draft the claim form and particulars of claim to enable you to start your claim for rent arrears at court. This fee covers all costs up to securing judgment against the tenant and/or guarantor in the event that no defence is received.
If a defence is submitted in response to your claim, our specialists will provide you with a clear cost estimate going forwards tailored to the next steps in your case.
*Disbursements are ordinarily court fees and advocate fees (for representation at hearings). Disbursements will be agreed with you before they are incurred.
For more information on any aspect of our work please call our residential landlord solicitors on 01616 966 229 .
