Oxford tenant eviction solicitors

As a landlord, we acknowledge your need to evict a tenant. Whatever the circumstance, we are here to provide assistance and support. Whether it is a breach of the tenancy agreement or rental arrears, we can guide you through the various grounds for eviction and help you navigate the process professionally.

As a private landlord, there may be cases when you need to consider eviction of a tenant due to illegal activity or unacceptable behaviour on your property. Another reason could be if you need the property for personal use. Ensuring that appropriate steps are taken can protect both you and your property.

Whatever the reason you have for wanting to end the tenancy there are still legal procedures you must follow to legally end the contract and regain possession .

When can landlords evict a tenant?

Our purpose is to help you serve the correct notice with ease. There are several grounds that can be cited to regain access to your property, inclusive of but not restricted to, the following options.

<p>Oxford tenant eviction</p>

Evicting tenants in Oxford, we can help you.

There is a clear procedure that every landlord is required to follow in order to legally evict a tenant. If this is not adhered to you could find yourself unable to regain possession of your property and could even face prosecution yourself.

The quickest and most cost-effective way of evicting Oxford tenants is generally by using what is known as an “accelerated procedure”, or “accelerated possession order”.

After the expiration of the two-month notice period served under Section 21, the landlord must apply to the court for a possession order. A court hearing may not be necessary as the judge can grant the order based on the provided documentation.

We appreciate that evicting a tenant can be a difficult task. Our team of expert Tenant Eviction Solicitors possesses the skills and knowledge necessary to guarantee a successful conclusion. Our solicitors offer guidance and advice to expedite the process and simplify it 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.

When can landlords evict a tenant?

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?
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Illegal activities

Landlords have an alternative in case private renters break the law. If a tenant uses the premises for unlawful activities such as drug dealing or prostitution, the landlord can attempt to terminate the lease agreement.

Compliance with eviction laws is crucial. Additionally, landlords are responsible for ensuring their tenants’ safety and well-being. When dealing with rent arrears or lease violations, landlords can serve written eviction notices with legal grounds for their decision.

If the tenant fails to comply with the notice, the landlord should initiate a formal eviction process, which involves filing a legal complaint against the tenant and attending court. All legal documents should be correctly served to the tenant in accordance with the legal requirements.

Additionally, a landlord may choose to enlist the help of an attorney or other legal professional. Once the process has been completed, the tenant will be required to leave the rental property.

It is important to remember that the eviction process should be handled with patience and respect, as this can help to

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.

Broke the terms of the tenancy agreement contact

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.

Starting possession proceedings

Residential landlords occasionally find themselves needing to regain possession of their premises from tenants for various reasons. However, it is vital to keep in mind that this process is subject to strict regulations. Mishandling it can lead to grave consequences, including charges of harassment or even legal action for unlawful eviction.

Possession proceedings are known to involve complex legal issues, making it wise to seek the guidance of seasoned legal professionals. Protect your property and yourself by taking legal action through the appropriate channels.

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.

During our review, we will assess the tenancy agreement, confirm any deposits taken, and verify the tenancy deposit scheme holding them. Our team will also evaluate the tenant’s rent arrears and advise on the most appropriate approach depending on the selected method of possession proceedings. Finally, we will prepare and deliver the appropriate notice – whether Section 21 or Section 8 – based on our assessment.

There are two types of possession proceedings

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

Once the possession order has been made

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 Oxford

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.

In certain situations, evicting a tenant may prove challenging, requiring expert guidance to facilitate the process. We understand the uniqueness of each case and realize that a universal solution is not always appropriate.

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