Part 55 POSSESSION CLAIMS
See also Practice Direction 55A, Practice Direction 55B, Practice Direction 55C
Coronavirus – temporary provision
55.A1
(1) Practice Direction 55C makes provision for how claims under this Part (including appeals) are to proceed following the expiry of the stay provided for by rule 55.29.
(2) This Part has effect subject to Practice Direction 55C for the period specified, and in the manner specified, in Practice Direction 55C.
Interpretation
55.1
In this Part –
(a) ‘a possession claim’ means a claim for the recovery of possession of land (including buildings or parts of buildings);
(b) ‘a possession claim against trespassers’ means a claim for the recovery of land which the claimant alleges is occupied only by a person or persons who entered or remained on the land without the consent of a person entitled to possession of that land but does not include a claim against a tenant or sub-tenant whether his tenancy has been terminated or not;
(c) ‘mortgage’ includes a legal or equitable mortgage and a legal or equitable charge and ‘mortgagee’ is to be interpreted accordingly;
(d) ‘the 1985 Act’ means the Housing Act 19851;
(e) ‘the 1988 Act’ means the Housing Act 19882;
(f) ‘a demotion claim’ means a claim made by a landlord for an order under section 82A of the 1985 Act or section 6A of the 1988 Act (‘a demotion order’);
(g) ‘a demoted tenancy’ means a tenancy created by virtue of a demotion order; and
I GENERAL RULES
Scope
55.2
(1) The procedure set out in this Section of this Part must be used where the claim includes –
(a) a possession claim brought by a –
(i) landlord (or former landlord);
(ii) mortgagee; or
(iii) licensor (or former licensor);
(b) a possession claim against trespassers; or
(c) a claim by a tenant seeking relief from forfeiture.
(Where a demotion claim or a suspension claim (or both) is made in the same claim form in which a possession claim is started, this Section of this Part applies as modified by rule 65.12. Where the claim is a demotion claim or a suspension claim only, or a suspension claim made in addition to a demotion claim, Section III of Part 65 applies).
(2) This Section of this Part
(a) is subject to any enactment or practice direction which sets out special provisions with regard to any particular category of claim;
(b) does not apply where the claimant uses the procedure set out in Section II of this Part; and
(c) does not apply where the claimant seeks an interim possession order under Section III of this Part except where the court orders otherwise or that Section so provides.
Starting the claim
55.3
(1) In the County Court—
(a) the claimant may make the claim at any County Court hearing centre, unless paragraph (2) applies or an enactment provides otherwise;
(b) the claim will be issued by the hearing centre where the claim is made; and
(c) if the claim is not made at the County Court hearing centre which serves the address where the land is situated, the claim will be sent to the hearing centre serving that address when it is issued.
(Practice Direction 55A includes further direction in respect of claims which are not made at the County Court hearing centre which serves the address where the land is situated.)
(2) The claim may be started in the High Court if the claimant files with their claim form a certificate stating the reasons for bringing the claim in that court verified by a statement of truth.
(3) Practice Direction 55A refers to circumstances which may justify starting the claim in the High Court.
(4) Where, in a possession claim against trespassers, the claimant does not know the name of a person in occupation or possession of the land, the claim must be brought against ‘persons unknown’ in addition to any named defendants.
(5) The claim form and form of defence sent with it must be in the forms set out in Practice Direction 55A.
Particulars of claim
55.4
The particulars of claim must be filed and served with the claim form.
(Part 16 and Practice Direction 55A provide details about the contents of the particulars of claim)
Hearing date
55.5
(1) Subject to paragraph (1A), the court will fix a date for the hearing when it issues the claim form.
(1A) If the claim is not made at the County Court hearing centre which serves the address where the land is situated, a date will be fixed for hearing when the claim is received by that hearing centre.
(2) In a possession claim against trespassers the defendant must be served with the claim form, particulars of claim and any witness statements –
(a) in the case of residential property, not less than 5 days; and
(b) in the case of other land, not less than 2 days,
before the hearing date.
(3) In all other possession claims –
(a) the hearing date will be not less than 28 days from the date of issue of the claim form;
(b) the standard period between the issue of the claim form and the hearing will be not more than 8 weeks; and
(c) the defendant must be served with the claim form and particulars of claim not less than 21 days before the hearing date.
(Rule 3.1(2)(a) provides that the court may extend or shorten the time for compliance with any rule)
Service of claims against trespassers
55.6
Where, in a possession claim against trespassers, the claim has been issued against ‘persons unknown’, the claim form, particulars of claim and any witness statements must be served on those persons by –
(a)
(i) attaching copies of the claim form, particulars of claim and any witness statements to the main door or some other part of the land so that they are clearly visible; and
(ii) if practicable, inserting copies of those documents in a sealed transparent envelope addressed to ‘the occupiers’ through the letter box; or
(b) placing stakes in the land in places where they are clearly visible and attaching to each stake copies of the claim form, particulars of claim and any witness statements in a sealed transparent envelope addressed to ‘the occupiers’.
Defendant's response
55.7
(1) An acknowledgment of service is not required and Part 10 does not apply.
(2) In a possession claim against trespassers rule 15.2 does not apply and the defendant need not file a defence.
(3) Where, in any other possession claim, the defendant does not file a defence within the time specified in rule 15.4, he may take part in any hearing but the court may take his failure to do so into account when deciding what order to make about costs.
(4) Part 12 (default judgment) does not apply in a claim to which this Part applies.
The hearing
55.8
(1) At the hearing fixed in accordance with rule 55.5(1) or at any adjournment of that hearing, the court may –
(a) decide the claim; or
(b) give case management directions.
(2) Where the claim is genuinely disputed on grounds which appear to be substantial, case management directions given under paragraph (1)(b) will include the allocation of the claim to a track or directions to enable it to be allocated.
(3) Except where –
(a) the claim is allocated to the fast track, the intermediate track or the multi-track; or
(b) the court orders otherwise,
any fact that needs to be proved by the evidence of witnesses at a hearing referred to in paragraph (1) may be proved by evidence in writing.
(Rule 32.2(1) sets out the general rule about evidence. Rule 32.2(2) provides that rule 32.2(1) is subject to any provision to the contrary)
(4) Subject to paragraph (5), all witness statements must be filed and served at least 2 days before the hearing.
(5) In a possession claim against trespassers all witness statements on which the claimant intends to rely must be filed and served with the claim form.
Allocation
55.9
(1) When the court decides the track for a possession claim, the matters to which it shall have regard include –
(a) the matters set out in rule 26.13 as modified by the relevant practice direction;
(b) the amount of any arrears of rent or mortgage instalments;
(c) the importance to the defendant of retaining possession of the land;
(d) the importance of vacant possession to the claimant; and
(2) The court will only allocate possession claims to the small claims track if all the parties agree.
(3) Where a possession claim has been allocated to the small claims track the claim shall be treated, for the purposes of costs, as if it were proceeding on the fast track except that trial costs shall be in the discretion of the court and shall not exceed the amount that would be recoverable under Part 45 if the value of the claim were up to £3,000.
(4) Where all the parties agree the court may, when it allocates the claim, order that rule 27.14 (costs on the small claims track) applies and, where it does so, paragraph (3) does not apply.
Possession claims relating to mortgaged residential property
55.10
(1) This rule applies where a mortgagee seeks possession of land which consists of or includes residential property.
(2) Within 5 days of receiving notification of the date of the hearing by the court, the claimant must send a notice to –
(a) the property, addressed to
‘the tenant or the occupier’; and
(3) The notice referred to in paragraph (2)(a) must –
(a) state that a possession claim for the property has started;
(b) show the name and address of the claimant, the defendant and the court which issued the claim form; and
(c) give details of the hearing.
(3A) The notice referred to in paragraph 2(b) must contain the information in paragraph (3) and must state the full address of the property.
(4) The claimant must produce at the hearing –
(a) a copy of the notices; and
(b) evidence that they have been sent.
(4A) An unauthorised tenant of residential property may apply to the court for the order for possession to be suspended.
Electronic issue of certain possession claims
55.10A
(1) A practice direction may make provision for a claimant to start certain types of possession claim in certain courts by requesting the issue of a claim form electronically.
(2) The practice direction may, in particular –
(a) provide that only particular provisions apply in specific courts;
(b) specify –
(i) the type of possession claim which may be issued electronically;
(ii) the conditions that a claim must meet before it may be issued electronically;
(c) specify the court where the claim may be issued;
(d) enable the parties to make certain applications or take further steps in relation to the claim electronically;
(e) specify the requirements that must be fulfilled in relation to such applications or steps;
(f) enable the parties to correspond electronically with the court about the claim;
(g) specify the requirements that must be fulfilled in relation to electronic correspondence;
(h) provide how any fee payable on the filing of any document is to be paid where the document is filed electronically.
(3) The Practice Direction may disapply or modify these Rules as appropriate in relation to possession claims started electronically.
II ACCELERATED POSSESSION CLAIMS OF PROPERTY LET ON AN ASSURED SHORTHOLD TENANCY
When this section may be used
55.11
(1) The claimant may bring a possession claim under this Section of this Part where –
(a) the claim is brought under section 21 of the
1988 Act3 to
recover possession of residential property let under an assured shorthold
tenancy other than a demoted assured shorthold
tenancy; and
(b) all the conditions listed in rule 55.12 are satisfied.
(2) The claim—
(a) may be brought in any County Court hearing centre; and
(b) will be issued by the hearing centre where it is brought.
Conditions
55.12
(1) The conditions referred to in rule 55.11(1)(b) are that—
(a) the tenancy and any agreement for the tenancy were entered into on or after 28 February 1997;
(b) the only purpose of the claim is to recover possession of the property and no other claim is made;
(c) the tenancy did not immediately follow an assured tenancy which was not an assured shorthold tenancy;
(d) the tenancy fulfilled the conditions provided by section 19A of the 1988 Act;
Claim form
55.13
(2) All relevant sections of the form must be completed.
Defence
55.14
(1) A defendant who wishes to –
(a) oppose the claim; or
(b) seek a postponement of possession in accordance with rule 55.18,
must file his defence within 14 days after service of the claim form.
Claim referred to judge
55.15
(1) On receipt of the defence the court will –
(a) send a copy to the claimant; and
(b) refer the claim and defence to a judge.
(2) Where the period set out in rule 55.14 has expired without the defendant filing a defence –
(a) the claimant may file a written request for an order for possession; and
(b) the court will refer that request to a judge.
(3) Where the defence is received after the period set out in rule 55.14 has expired but before a request is filed in accordance with paragraph (2), paragraph (1) will still apply.
Consideration of the claim
55.16
(1) After considering the claim and any defence, the judge will –
(a) make an order for possession under rule 55.17;
(b) where the judge is not satisfied as to any of the matters set out in paragraph (2) –
(i) direct that a date be fixed for a hearing; and
(ii) give any appropriate case management directions; or
(c) strike out the claim if the claim form discloses no reasonable grounds for bringing the claim.
(1A) If -
(a) the judge directs that a date be fixed for hearing in accordance either with paragraph (2) or rule 55.18(1); and
(b) the claim has not been brought in the County Court hearing centre which serves the address where the land is situated,
the judge will direct that the proceedings should be transferred to that hearing centre.
(2) The matters referred to in paragraph (1)(b) are that –
(a) the claim form was served; and
(b) the claimant has established that he is entitled to recover possession under section 21 of the 1988 Act against the defendant.
(3) The court will give all parties not less than 14 days' notice of a hearing fixed under paragraph (1)(b)(i).
Possession order
55.17
Except where rules 55.16(1)(b) or (c) apply, the judge will make an order for possession without requiring the attendance of the parties.
Postponement of possession
55.18
(1) Where the defendant seeks postponement of possession on the ground of exceptional hardship under section 89 of the Housing Act 19806, the judge may direct a hearing of that issue.
(2) Where the judge directs a hearing under paragraph (1) –
(a) the hearing must be held before the date on which possession is to be given up; and
(b) the judge will direct how many days' notice the parties must be given of that hearing.
(3) Where the judge is satisfied, on a hearing directed under paragraph (1), that exceptional hardship would be caused by requiring possession to be given up by the date in the order of possession, he may vary the date on which possession must be given up.
III INTERIM POSSESSION ORDERS
When this section may be used
55.20
(1) This Section of this Part applies where the claimant seeks an Interim Possession Order.
(2) In this section –
(a) ‘IPO’ means Interim Possession Order; and
(b) ‘premises’ has the same meaning as in section 12 of the Criminal Law Act 19777.
(3) Where this Section requires an act to be done within a specified number of hours, rule 2.8(4) does not apply.
Conditions for IPO application
55.21
(1) An application for an IPO may be made where the following conditions are satisfied –
(a) the only claim made is a possession claim against trespassers for the recovery of premises;
(b) the claimant –
(i) has an immediate right to possession of the premises; and
(ii) has had such a right throughout the period of alleged unlawful occupation; and
(c) the claim is made within 28 days of the date on which the claimant first knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that the defendant (or any of the defendants), was in occupation.
(2) An application for an IPO may not be made against a defendant who entered or remained on the premises with the consent of a person who, at the time consent was given, had an immediate right to possession of the premises.
The application
55.22
(2) The claim form and the defendant's form of witness statement must be in the form set out in Practice Direction 55A.
(3) When he files his claim form, the claimant must also file –
(a) an application notice in the form set out in Practice Direction 55A; and
(b) written evidence.
(4) The written evidence must be given –
(a) by the claimant personally; or
(b) where the claimant is a body corporate, by a duly authorised officer.
(Rule 22.1(6)(b) provides that the statement of truth must be signed by the maker of the witness statement)
(6) The hearing of the application will be as soon as practicable but not less than 3 days after the date of issue.
Service
55.23
(1) Within 24 hours of the issue of the application, the claimant must serve on the defendant –
(a) the claim form;
(b) the application notice together with the written evidence in support; and
(c) a blank form for the defendant's witness statement (as set out in Practice Direction 55A) which must be attached to the application notice.
(2) The claimant must serve the documents listed in paragraph (1) in accordance with rule 55.6(a).
Defendant's response
55.24
(1) At any time before the hearing the defendant may file a witness statement in response to the application.
Hearing of the application
55.25
(1) In deciding whether to grant an IPO, the court will have regard to whether the claimant has given, or is prepared to give, the following undertakings in support of his application –
(a) if, after an IPO is made, the court decides that the claimant was not entitled to the order to –
(i) reinstate the defendant if so ordered by the court; and
(ii) pay such damages as the court may order; and
(2) The court will make an IPO if –
(a) the claimant has –
(i) filed a certificate of service of the documents referred to in rule 55.23(1); or
(ii) proved service of those documents to the satisfaction of the court; and
(3) An IPO will be in the form set out in Practice Direction 55A and will require the defendant to vacate the premises specified in the claim form within 24 hours of the service of the order.
(4) On making an IPO the court will set a date for the hearing of the claim for possession which will be not less than 7 days after the date on which the IPO is made.
Service and enforcement of the IPO
55.26
(1) An IPO must be served within 48 hours after it is sealed.
(2) The claimant must serve the IPO on the defendant together with copies of
(a) the claim form; and
(b) the written evidence in support, in accordance with rule 55.6(a).
(3) Rules 83.2, 83.3 and 83.26(1) to (9) do not apply to the enforcement of an IPO.
(4) If an IPO is not served within the time limit specified by this rule, the claimant may apply to the court for directions for the claim for possession to continue under Section I of this Part.
After IPO made
55.27
(1) Before the date for the hearing of the claim, the claimant must file a certificate of service in relation to the documents specified in rule 55.26(2).
(2) The IPO will expire on the date of the hearing of the claim.
(3) At the hearing the court may make any order it considers appropriate and may, in particular –
(a) make a final order for possession;
(b) dismiss the claim for possession;
(c) give directions for the claim for possession to continue under Section I of this Part; or
(d) enforce any of the claimant's undertakings.
(4) Unless the court directs otherwise, the claimant must serve any order or directions in accordance with rule 55.6(a).
(5) Rule 83.26(10) to (12) applies to the enforcement of a final order for possession.
Application to set aside IPO
55.28
(1) If the defendant has left the premises, he may apply on grounds of urgency for the IPO to be set aside before the date of the hearing of the claim.
(2) An application under paragraph (1) must be supported by a witness statement.
(3) On receipt of the application, the court will give directions as to –
(a) the date for the hearing; and
(b) the period of notice, if any, to be given to the claimant and the method of service of any such notice.
(4) No application to set aside an IPO may be made under rule 39.3.
(5) Where no notice is required under paragraph (3)(b), the only matters to be dealt with at the hearing of the application to set aside are whether –
(a) the IPO should be set aside; and
(b) any undertaking to re-instate the defendant should be enforced,
and all other matters will be dealt with at the hearing of the claim.
(6) The court will serve on all the parties –
(a) a copy of the order made under paragraph (5); and
(b) where no notice was required under paragraph (3)(b), a copy of the defendant's application to set aside and the witness statement in support.
(7) Where notice is required under paragraph (3)(b), the court may treat the hearing of the application to set aside as the hearing of the claim.
Stay of possession proceedings, coronavirus
55.29
(1) Subject to paragraph (2), all possession proceedings brought under this Part and all enforcement proceedings by way of writ or warrant of possession that are—
(a) stayed immediately prior to this rule coming into force; or
(b) brought after this rule comes into force and on or before 19 September 2020, are stayed until 20 September 2020.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to—
(a) a claim against trespassers to which rule 55.6 applies;
(b) proceedings under Section III of this Part;
(c) an application for case management directions that are agreed by all the parties; or
(d) a claim for injunctive relief.
(3) Paragraph (1) does not prevent the bringing of a claim notwithstanding that it may be stayed.
(4) For the purposes of the application of any rule to any proceedings that are stayed by paragraph (1)—
(a) time does not run; and
(b) no notice is required to be given by the court.
IV RENTING HOMES WALES - GENERAL RULES
Interpretation
55.30
In this Section of this Part—
(a)“the 2016 Act” means the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 20168;
(b)“a contract-holder” is the person who makes an occupation contract with a landlord and is a contract-holder under sections 7 and 48 of the 2016 Act9;
(c)“Convention rights” has the meaning provided by the Human Rights Act 199810;
(d)“a dwelling” means a dwelling let under an occupation contract;
(e)“an extended possession order” means an order for possession against a sub-holder under section 6511 of the 2016 Act;
(f)“an occupation contract” is a tenancy or licence that is an occupation contract under section 7 of the 2016 Act;
(g)“a prohibited conduct standard contract order claim” means a claim under section 11612 of the 2016 Act;
(h)“a Renting Homes possession claim” means a claim for the recovery of possession of a dwelling under the 2016 Act;
(i)“a sub-holder” has the meaning provided by section 5913 of the 2016 Act;
(j)“a standard contract” has the meaning provided by section 814 of the 2016 Act.
Scope
55.31
(1)The procedure set out in this Section of this Part must be used where the claim is a Renting Homes possession claim.
(Where a prohibited conduct standard contract order claim is made in the same claim form in which a Renting Homes possession claim is made, this Section of this Part applies. Where the claim is a prohibited conduct standard contract order claim only, Section III of Part 65 applies.)
(2)This Section of this Part—
(a)is subject to any enactment or practice direction which sets out special provisions with regard to any particular category of claim;
(b)does not apply where the claimant uses the procedure set out in Section V of this Part;
(c)applies irrespective of whether an application for an extended possession order may be made in the course of the Renting Homes possession claim.
Starting the claim
55.32
(1)In the County Court—
(a)the claimant may make the claim at any County Court hearing centre, unless paragraph (2) applies or an enactment provides otherwise;
(b)the claim is to be issued by the hearing centre where the claim is made; and
(c)if that hearing centre does not serve the address where the dwelling is situated, the claim is to be sent, after issue, to the hearing centre serving that address.
(Practice Direction 55A includes further direction in respect of claims which are not made at the County Court hearing centre which serves the address where the dwelling is situated.)
(2)The claim may be started in the High Court if the claimant files with their claim form a certificate stating the reasons for bringing the claim in that court verified by a statement of truth.
(3)The claim form and form of defence sent with it must be in the forms specified in Practice Direction 55A.
Particulars of claim
55.33
The particulars of claim must be filed and served with the claim form.
(Part 16 and Practice Direction 55A provide details about the contents of the particulars of claim.)
Hearing date
55.34
(1)Subject to paragraph (2), the court is to fix a date for the hearing when it issues the claim form.
(2)If the claim has been sent on to the hearing centre which serves the address where the dwelling is situated, that hearing centre is to fix a date for hearing when it receives the claim.
(3)In all Renting Homes possession claims—
(a)the hearing date is to be not less than 28 days from the date of issue of the claim form;
(b)the standard period between the issue of the claim form and the hearing is to be not more than 8 weeks; and
(c)the defendant must be served with the claim form and particulars of claim not less than 21 days before the hearing date.
Defendant’s response and adding of sub-holder as a party
55.35
(1)An acknowledgment of service is not required and Part 10 does not apply.
(2)Where, in any Renting Homes possession claim, the defendant does not file a defence within the time specified in rule 15.4, the defendant may take part in any hearing but the court may take their failure to do so into account when deciding what order to make about costs.
(3)Part 12 (default judgment) does not apply in a claim to which this Section applies.
(4)Where a sub-holder applies to the court to be added as a party to proceedings, the court must add them as a defendant if they are entitled to be a party under section 65(4)15of the 2016 Act.
The hearing
55.36
(1)At the hearing fixed in accordance with rule 55.34 or at any adjournment of that hearing, the court may—
(a)decide the claim; or
(b)give case management directions.
(2)Where the claim is genuinely disputed on grounds which appear to be substantial, case management directions given under paragraph (1)(b) will include the allocation of the claim to a track or directions to enable it to be allocated.
(3)Except where—
(a)the claim is allocated to the fast track, the intermediate track or the multi-track; or
(b)the court orders otherwise,
any fact that needs to be proved by the evidence of witnesses at a hearing referred to in paragraph (1) may be proved by evidence in writing.
(4)All witness statements must be filed and served at least 2 days before the hearing.
(5)Where the claimant serves the claim form and particulars of claim, the claimant must produce at the hearing a certificate of service of those documents and rule 6.17(2)(a) does not apply.
Allocation
55.37
(1)When the court decides the track for a Renting Homes possession claim, the matters it must consider include—
(a)the matters set out in rule 26.13 as modified by the relevant practice direction;
(b)the amount of any arrears of rent;
(c)the importance to the defendant of retaining possession of the dwelling;
(d)the importance of vacant possession to the claimant; and
(e)if applicable, the alleged conduct of the defendant.
(2)The court may only allocate Renting Homes possession claims to the small claims track if all the parties agree.
(3)Where a Renting Homes possession claim has been allocated to the small claims track the claim must be treated, for the purposes of costs, as if it were proceeding on the fast track except that trial costs are to be in the discretion of the court and must not exceed the amount that would be recoverable under Part 45 if the value of the claim were up to £3,000.
(4)Where all the parties agree the court may, when it allocates the claim, order that rule 27.14 (costs on the small claims track) applies and, where it does so, paragraph (3) does not apply.
Electronic issue of certain Renting Homes possession claims
55.38
(1)A practice direction may make provision for a claimant to start certain types of Renting Homes possession claim in certain courts by requesting the issue of a claim form electronically.
(2)The practice direction may, in particular—
(a)provide that only particular provisions apply in specific courts;
(b)specify—
(i)the type of claim which may be issued electronically;
(ii)the conditions that a claim must meet before it may be issued electronically;
(c)specify the court where the claim may be issued;
(d)enable the parties to make certain applications or take further steps in relation to the claim electronically;
(e)specify the requirements that must be fulfilled in relation to such applications or steps;
(f)enable the parties to correspond electronically with the court about the claim;
(g)specify the requirements that must be fulfilled in relation to electronic correspondence;
(h)provide how any fee payable on the filing of any document is to be paid where the document is filed electronically.
(3)The practice direction may disapply or modify these Rules as appropriate in relation to claims started electronically.
V RENTING HOMES WALES – ACCELERATED POSSESSION CLAIMS OF DWELLINGS LET ON A STANDARD CONTRACT
Interpretation
55.39
The definitions set out in rule 55.30 apply to this Section also.
When this Section may be used
55.40
(1)The claimant may bring a Renting Homes possession claim under this Section of this Part where—
(a)the claim is brought under—
(i)section 17016 of the 2016 Act to recover possession of a dwelling let under a periodic standard contract (following contract-holder’s notice);
(ii)section 17817 of the 2016 Act to recover possession of a dwelling let under a periodic standard contract (landlord’s notice);
(iii)section 18618 of the 2016 Act to recover possession of a dwelling let under a fixed term standard contract (landlord’s notice at end of fixed term);
(iv)section 19119 of the 2016 Act to recover possession of a dwelling let under a fixed term standard contract (following contract-holder’s break clause); or
(v)section 19920 of the 2016 Act to recover possession of a dwelling let on a fixed term standard contract (landlord’s break clause); and
(b)all the conditions listed in rule 55.41 are satisfied.
(2)The claimant may make the claim at any County Court hearing centre, unless an enactment provides otherwise.
(3)The claim is to be issued by the hearing centre where the claim is made.
(4)If the hearing centre where the claim is made does not serve the address where the dwelling is situated, the claim is to be sent, after issue, to the hearing centre serving that address.
Conditions
55.41
The conditions referred to in rule 55.40(1)(b) are that—
(a)the only purpose of the claim is to recover possession of the dwelling and no other claim is made;
(b)the claim relates to an occupation contract which is a standard contract; and
(c)a prescribed notice in accordance with any of the following sections of the 2016 Act was given to the contract-holder—
(i)section 171 (if the claim is brought under section 17021 of that Act);
(ii)section 173 (if the claim is brought under section 17822 of that Act);
(iii)section 18623 (if the claim is brought under that section);
(iv)section 192 (if the claim is brought under section 1924 of that Act); or
(v)section 19425 (if the claim is brought under section 19926 of that Act).
Claim form
55.42
(1)The claim form must—
(a)be in the form specified in Practice Direction 55A; and
(b)contain all information and be accompanied by all documents as are required by that form.
(2)The court is to serve the claim form by first class post (or an alternative service which provides for delivery on the next working day).
Defence
55.43
(1)A defendant who wishes to—
(a)oppose the claim; or
(b)seek a postponement of possession in accordance with rule 55.47,
must file a defence within 14 days after service of the claim form.
(2)The defence must be in the form specified in Practice Direction 55A.
Claim referred to judge
55.44
(1)On receipt of the defence the court must—
(a)send a copy to the claimant; and
(b)refer the claim and defence to a judge.
(2)Where the period set out in rule 55.43 has expired without the defendant filing a defence—
(a)the claimant may file a written request for an order for possession; and
(b)the court must refer that request to a judge.
(3)Where the defence is received after the period set out in rule 55.43 has expired but before a request is filed in accordance with paragraph (2), paragraph (1) still applies.
(4)Where—
(a)the period set out in rule 55.43 has expired without the defendant filing a defence; and
(b)the claimant has not made a request for an order for possession under paragraph (2) within 3 months after the expiry of the period set out in rule 55.43, the claim must be stayed.
Consideration of the claim
55.45
(1)After considering the claim and any defence, the judge may—
(a)make an order for possession under rule 55.46 without requiring the attendance of the parties;
(b)strike out the claim if the claim form discloses no reasonable grounds for bringing the claim; or
(c)where paragraphs (2) or (3) apply—
(i)direct that a date be fixed for a hearing; and
(ii)give any appropriate case management directions.
(2)This paragraph applies where the judge is not satisfied either that the claim form was served or that the claimant has established that they are entitled to recover possession from the defendant.
(3)This paragraph applies where—
(a)an application under section 36 (incomplete written statement) or section 3727 (incorrect statement: contract-holder’s application to the court) of the 2016 Act has been made (and not disposed of) in connection with the occupation contract of the dwelling in respect of which the possession claim has been brought;
(b)the claim is a claim under section 178 or section 199 of the 2016 Act, where the issue of retaliatory possession has been raised under section 217 of the 2016 Act28;
(c)the claim is a claim under section 170, section 178, section 186, section 191 or section 19929 of the 2016 Act, where a defence based on the defendant’s Convention rights is raised.
(5)The court is to give all parties not less than 14 days’ notice of a hearing fixed under paragraph (1)(c)(i).
(6)Where a claim is struck out under paragraph (1)(b)—
(a)the court is to serve its reasons for striking out the claim with the order; and
(b)the claimant may apply to restore the claim within 28 days after the date the order was served on them.
Possession order
55.46
Except where rules 55.45(1)(b) or (c) apply, the judge must make an order for possession without requiring the attendance of the parties.
Postponement of possession
55.47
(1)Where the defendant seeks postponement of possession on the ground of exceptional hardship under section 21930 of the 2016 Act, the judge may direct a hearing of that issue.
(2)Where the judge directs a hearing under paragraph (1)—
(a)the hearing must be held before the date on which possession is to be given up; and
(b)the judge must direct how many days’ notice the parties must be given of that hearing.
(3)Where the judge is satisfied, on a hearing directed under paragraph (1), that exceptional hardship would be caused by requiring possession to be given up by the date in the order of possession, the judge may vary the date on which possession must be given up.
Application to set aside or vary
55.48
The court may—
(a)on application by a party within 14 days of service of the order; or
(b)of its own initiative,
set aside or vary any order made under rule 55.46.
Footnotes
