Understanding Possession Processes for Private Landlords & Letting Agents

1 day Course

Course Aims & Objectives

Delegates will be fully up to speed on the latest legal ways to obtain possession of a private rented property (ostensibly where an AST is in place)

 They will be able to undertake the following:-

• Identify ways to avoid commencing possession process in the first place (including mediation and involvement of Local Authority)
• Understand the fundamentals of an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement and notice periods
• Compile supporting evidence as a normal routine required if there is ever a need to seek a court possession order
• Select whether to adopt the Section 21 or Section 8 route to obtaining possession (or both in some cases)
• Correctly complete and serve S21 and S8 Possession Notices as appropriate
• Understand the recommended procedures when serving a statutory (or other notices) on a tenant
• Understand and be able to correctly complete Court Application Forms to obtain a S21 or S8 Possession Order
• Complete application forms to obtain services of a County Court Bailiff and when it is appropriate to secure the services of
• a High Court Enforcement Officer
• Dealing with legal costs and rent arrears/property loss and damage
• Know how to correctly witness an eviction by an authorised officer or bailiff and what to next re property security and tenant belongings left.
• Deal with difficult situations such as abandonment, death of a tenant or where a tenant is remanded or imprisoned.

Course Content and Outline Schedule

 9.30am (after brief introductions)

• Avoiding possession in the first place
• Documentation and records

 10.30am

• Introduction to S21 and S8 Procedures
• S21 in detail including completion of notice and court documentation

 13.00pm – lunch break

13.30pm

• S8 in detail including completion of notice and court documentation

3.30pm

• Use of bailiffs and enforcement officers to obtain possession of property (if necessary)
• Obtaining payment of arrears and other expenses
• Dealing with difficult possession situations

 5.00pm – Course ends

For more information please email linda.cobb@derby.gov.uk