Landlords often ask this, but there's no single answer. Timelines vary significantly based on notice type, tenant response, court/Tribunal workload, and bailiff availability.
Factors Influencing Speed:
- Notice Period: Legal minimum (e.g., 2 weeks for some S8 grounds, 2 months for S21, 28/84 days in Scotland).
- Tenant Action: Do they leave voluntarily (quickest)? Or defend the claim?
- Court/Tribunal Route: Accelerated S21 (quicker if no defence) vs. Standard Possession/Tribunal hearing (takes longer).
- Court/Tribunal Backlogs: Waiting times for applications to be processed and hearings scheduled can vary hugely by area (can be months).
- Bailiff/Sheriff Officer Availability: If enforcement is needed, there are often waiting lists for eviction execution.
Realistic Expectations (Order of Magnitude):
- Best Case (Tenant leaves after notice): ~1-3 months (depending on notice period).
- Typical Court/Tribunal Process (Undisputed/Simple): ~3-6 months from serving notice to possession order.
- Contested Case / Enforcement Needed: ~6-12+ months is not uncommon.
Key: Start with a legally sound notice to avoid initial delays. Legalmaster™ ensures the notice itself is generated quickly and correctly.
