What To Do Next After Receiving A Possession Order

If you’ve recently been granted a possession order by the court, you may be feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension While the possession order gives you the legal right to evict the tenant from your property, there are still important steps you need to take in order to ensure a smooth and lawful eviction process In this article, we will discuss what you should do next after receiving a possession order.

1 Serve the Possession Order

The first step you should take after receiving a possession order is to serve it on the tenant This means delivering a copy of the possession order to the tenant either in person or by post You must ensure that the tenant receives the possession order, as this is a legal requirement for the eviction process to proceed.

2 Wait for the Possession Order to Expire

Once the possession order has been served on the tenant, you must wait for the specified period of time to elapse This period is typically 14 days, but it can vary depending on the type of possession order that was granted During this time, the tenant has the opportunity to vacate the property voluntarily.

3 Apply for a Warrant for Possession

If the tenant fails to vacate the property by the expiry date of the possession order, you will need to apply for a warrant for possession from the court This warrant gives you the authority to have the tenant evicted by a court-appointed bailiff You will need to fill out an application form and submit it to the court, along with a copy of the possession order.

4 Arrange for Bailiff Eviction

Once the court grants the warrant for possession, you can arrange for the bailiff to carry out the eviction The bailiff will serve a notice of eviction on the tenant, informing them of the date and time when the eviction will take place i have a possession order what next. It is important to ensure that you comply with all legal requirements and procedures during the eviction process to avoid any delays or complications.

5 Collect Possessions

After the tenant has been evicted from the property, you will need to arrange for their possessions to be collected and stored safely You should give the tenant reasonable notice to collect their belongings, and if they fail to do so, you can dispose of their possessions in accordance with the law It is important to document the process of collecting and storing the tenant’s possessions to protect yourself from any potential claims of loss or damage.

6 Secure the Property

Once the tenant has been evicted and their possessions have been dealt with, you should take steps to secure the property This may include changing the locks, repairing any damage caused by the tenant, and carrying out any necessary cleaning or maintenance work to prepare the property for re-letting It is important to ensure that the property is in a safe and habitable condition before re-advertising it for rent.

7 Seek Legal Advice

If you encounter any difficulties during the eviction process or if the tenant refuses to comply with the possession order, it is advisable to seek legal advice A solicitor with experience in landlord and tenant law can provide you with guidance and support to ensure that the eviction proceeds smoothly and lawfully They can also help you to understand your rights and obligations as a landlord and protect you from any potential legal challenges.

In conclusion, receiving a possession order is a significant milestone in the eviction process, but it is not the end of the journey There are still important steps that you need to take to ensure a successful eviction and to protect your legal rights as a landlord By following the steps outlined in this article and seeking legal advice if necessary, you can navigate the eviction process with confidence and achieve a satisfactory outcome.