Edinburgh tenant eviction solicitors

As a landlord, you might need to evict tenants for various reasons, but it’s vital to seek legal counsel to ensure you’re compliant. We acknowledge how challenging and stressful these situations can be.

Our tenancy specialists possess the expertise and experience to alleviate your distress and ensure you achieve the desired outcome. If you need tailored and amicable guidance, reach out to us today and converse with our adept legal team. We’ll provide a reliable and straightforward legal solution that complies with the relevant regulations.

Our services can help you with the entire eviction process, including preparing the relevant documentation and filing your notice. We’ll also ensure that all  relevant steps are followed and provide guidance on any issues that you may encounter.

Using our dedicated team of experts can help reduce the risk of disputes

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Evicting tenants in Edinburgh, we can help you.

It is crucial for every landlord to comply with the legal procedure when evicting a tenant to avoid the risk of prosecution and losing ownership of the property. Using an “accelerated procedure” or “accelerated possession order” is commonly the most cost-effective and timely way to proceed with evicting tenants in Edinburgh.

Following the service of Section 21 and the two months’ notice period, the landlord should make a formal application to the court for a possession order. The judge may grant this order without a court hearing, based solely on the available paperwork.

We understand that evicting a tenant can be a challenging endeavor. Our team of skilled Tenant Eviction Solicitors in Edinburgh possesses the expertise and know-how needed to ensure a successful outcome. Our solicitors provide invaluable guidance and advice to expedite and streamline the process for our clients.

Mandatory grounds where the court must grant possession.

Ground 1: The Landlord requires possession as he used to occupy the property as his main home or he now wishes to occupy the property as his main home.

Ground 2: The property is subject to a mortgage and the mortgagee is now entitled to exercise a power of sale.

Ground 3: The tenancy is a fixed term of not more than 8 months and the property was previously a holiday let.

Ground 4: The tenancy is a fixed term of not more than 12 months and the property is student accommodation let out of term.

Ground 5: The property is that of a minister of religion.

Ground 6: The property requires redevelopment.

Ground 7: The tenant has died.

Ground 8: The tenant is in rental arrears.

For more information about our services, or to find out exactly where you stand and the range of options available call us today on freephone 0333 880 0074

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Discretionary grounds where the court may grant possession.

Ground 9: Suitable alternative accommodation is available for the tenant upon possession.

Ground 10: The tenant is in arrears of rent.

Ground 11: The tenant has persistently delayed paying rent, whether or not the rent is currently in arrears.

Ground 12: Any obligation of the tenancy has been broken, other than payment of rent.

Ground 13: Due to the tenant’s conduct, the property has deteriorated.

Ground 14: The tenant is causing a nuisance or annoyance to people residing at the property or visiting the property. The tenant is convicted in engaging in illegal or using the property for immoral purposes.

Ground 15: The tenant has allowed the landlords’ furniture to deteriorate due to ill-treatment.

Ground 16: The tenant occupies the property due to his former employment by the landlord.

Ground 17: The Landlord granted the tenancy as a result of a statement made by the tenant which is later found to be false.

What are the circumstances that allow landlords to evict tenants?

When a tenant fails to pay rent, landlords may pursue eviction through legal action as per Section 21 of the law. This step is usually taken when previous rent demands have not been met.

Landlords aim to make a profit by leasing their properties, and non-payment of rent followed by squatter-like habitation can cause significant inconvenience. Therefore, renters can be contested in court to regain lawful possession of the property.

Various factors, such as unforeseen life events, unexpected expenses, or job loss, can hinder tenants’ ability to fulfil their rental obligations. Consequently, tenants may default on their rent payments, leading to potential eviction.

Are you a Council or Housing association Tenant with housing disrepair issues?
If so we can help you claim compensation on a NO Win, NO Fee basis.

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Illegal activities

Landlords have an option when dealing with private renters who have fallen short of keeping their end of the agreement. Should any tenant use the premises for unlawful activities, such as drug dealing or prostitution, the landlord may seek legal termination of the lease agreement.

Safeguarding a tenant’s safety and well-being is within the landlord’s remit of responsibility. In case of rent arrears, or violations of the lease agreement, the landlord can serve a legally grounded written eviction notice. Complying with eviction laws is of utmost importance for both parties.In the event of a tenant failing to comply with the notice, it is the landlord’s responsibility to initiate a formal eviction process.

This process typically entails the filing of a legal complaint against the tenant and attending court. As per legal requirements, the landlord must ensure that all legal documents are correctly served to the tenant.

Moreover, a landlord may opt to engage the services of a solicitor or other legal practitioner. Upon completion of the procedure, the tenant will be obliged to vacate the rental premises.

It is important to remember that the eviction process should be handled with patience and respect, as this can help to maintain a positive relationship between the landlord and tenant.

Criminal damage to your property

A landlord can use a 14-day notice to quit for property damage. This notice gives the tenant 14 days to fix the damage or move out of the rental property.

The tenant is ultimately liable for any damage they cause to the rental property. It is important that any damage be reported promptly so that the landlord or a professional contractor can promptly assess and repair the damage. In some instances, the tenant may need to communicate with the agency responsible for the tenancy, who will then contact the landlord.

The tenant needs to report the damage they have caused and communicate with the landlord about how best to repair the problem. It may be that the damage requires fixing immediately, or it may be that damage is discovered at the end of a tenancy and the landlord and tenant will discuss how to handle this. Deposits can be deducted from to cover damage.

Violations of the tenancy agreement.

As a landlord, it is crucial to take into account certain key factors when entering into tenancy agreements. Whether an assured shorthold or a normal tenancy is involved, incorporating specific provisions in writing is essential to safeguarding yourself and your property, and abide by the provisions of the Housing Act. Such provisions may include clauses that limit pets and flatmates, as well as clauses dealing with rent arrears or property damages.

It is important for landlords to be well-prepared and to have a thorough understanding of their legal rights when dealing with tenants. When an eviction is necessary, establishing a clear timeline that features the required notice period and any necessary legal procedures is essential.

Taking the time to handle the situation carefully and comprehensively can help avoid unnecessary complications in the future. It is essential to discuss the terms of the agreement with new tenants and to ensure that everyone is on the same page before proceeding. This includes going over details such as the terms of the lease, any extra fees or charges, and expectations for things like cleaning and upkeep.

Legally evicting your tenants

In a moment of poor judgement, it may be tempting to use illegal methods to remove a tenant from your rental property. However, it is imperative to follow the appropriate legal procedures, despite the time-consuming and tedious nature of it. Failure to do so puts you at risk of criminal charges, losing your claim to possession, and being liable for your tenant’s legal fees, all of which must be avoided.

There are various illicit methods to evict a tenant, including altering locks, denying property access, employing intimidation, confiscating possessions, or resorting to physical force for eviction purposes.

 

Are you a Council or Housing association Tenant with housing disrepair issues?
If so we can help you claim compensation on a NO Win, NO Fee basis.

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Steps to take when evicting tenants

Under the Housing Act, strict procedures must be followed when serving notice to tenants, as incorrect proceedings could result in wrongful eviction from a property. Section 21 details these procedures, including the serving of a possession order, which costs £325 in court.

In case of rent arrears, tenants are granted a two-week window to settle their outstanding amounts. If payment is not received during the given period, eviction notices may be served. Other breaches of the lease also necessitate notification and our expertise covers all aspects of legal notice administration, assuring compliance with applicable laws.

We offer professional legal advice to landlords, ensuring comprehensive protection throughout the eviction process. Our guidelines assist landlords in avoiding any legal exposure from their actions and omissions. We are available to assist with evictions resulting from illicit activities, including obtaining a court-ordered possession of the property for smooth execution of the eviction process.

Contact us today on the Freephone number 0333 880 0074 for more information concerning our services and how we can support you.

Instructing possession proceedings 

When landlords of residential properties seek to reclaim their premises from tenants, they must tread carefully as the process is highly regulated. Mishandling it could result in serious legal consequences, such as harassment charges or even unlawful eviction lawsuits.

Possession proceedings are widely acknowledged to be complicated, involving complex legal issues. It is therefore wise to seek the guidance of seasoned legal professionals. Taking legal action through the appropriate channels protects both your property and yourself. So, be sure to take the right steps, the right way.

Serve the correct Notice and determine the end date of the tenancy with precision in order to increase the likelihood that your claim will be accepted.

To ensure the correct course of action, we highly recommend scheduling an initial consultation, or submitting your case for review at a fixed rate. This pre-emptive measure can save considerable time and money in the long run.

As part of our review process, we will examine the tenancy agreement, confirm deposited amounts, and verify the tenancy deposit scheme responsible for safeguarding them. Our team will also analyse outstanding rent payments and advise on the most suitable approach, depending on the chosen possession proceedings. Lastly, upon our evaluation, we will prepare and serve the appropriate notice – Section 21 or Section 8.

There are two types of possession proceedings

• Accelerated Possession – Section 21
• Standard Procedure – Section 8

Once the possession order has been submitted

After an Order is granted via Section 21 or Section 8 Notice, the tenant must vacate the rental property by a set date. If not, action is required: apply to the court for a Warrant of Possession, and a Court Bailiff will execute it. Regrettably, this procedure can take weeks—quite frustrating.

To enforce a judgement against a tenant for rent arrears, it is crucial to take action while they are still residing in the property. This is because retrieving the arrears after they vacate can become challenging, mainly due to the lack of forwarding addresses. Landlords must prioritise obtaining comprehensive tenant information, including their full name, date of birth, previous address, a relative’s address, and place of work. This information will significantly aid in the enforcement of the judgement and ensure a smoother process for all parties involved.

This information can often assist in tracking them down and recovering the rent arrears.

We’re national tenant eviction solicitors and we can help you in Edinburgh

When it comes to requesting a tenant to vacate a property, eviction is often considered a last resort. Generally, landlords and tenants can swiftly and effectively deal with this type of situation without external assistance.

However, there are circumstances where evicting a tenant can prove challenging, and an expert’s guidance may be necessary to facilitate the process. We acknowledge the distinctiveness of each case and recognise that a universal solution is not suitable.

Our in-house legal team is committed to treating every case on an individual basis and helping you regain control. We will advise you on the optimal course of action, ensuring that your case conforms to existing legislation and regulations.

Are you a Council or Housing association Tenant with housing disrepair issues?
If so we can help you claim compensation on a NO Win, NO Fee basis.

Instant Claim Calculator