Securing possession and costs

Rachel’s elderly client had purchased a buy to let property as an investment and was reliant on the income received from it to supplement his pension. His tenants had stopped paying rent, had built up substantial arrears and caused damage. A possession claim was commenced but allegations of disrepair were raised by the tenants.

However, Rachel secured possession of the property together with an order that, despite the very limited fixed costs usually awarded, the tenants must pay the landlord legal costs in excess of £2,000.