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How Long Does Money Claim Online Take? MCOL Timeline Guide
Realistic timelines for Money Claim Online from start to CCJ. How long each stage takes and what affects the speed of your claim. Get the UK steps and choose...
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Your tenant owes you money and you need to know the fastest lawful way to chase it. This guide explains the route, the paperwork, and the mistakes that can slow you down.
Timeline Overview
Undefended Claim
4-6 weeks
From issuing to CCJ
Defended Claim
3-6 months
From issuing to hearing
Unpaid rent
Tenant still owes money? Prepare the claim file
If the arrears keep growing, turn the problem into a clearer debt record and claim narrative before the evidence gets harder to untangle.
- Set out what is owed clearly before the numbers get harder to untangle.
- Build the claim in plain English.
- Get the court paperwork ready for the next step.
Most landlord claims are undefended. Tenants who owe money often don't respond to court claims—either because they have no defence or can't be bothered. This makes the process relatively quick.
Undefended Claims: Stage by Stage
Pre-Action Protocol
Send LBA and wait 30 days for response
Duration: 30+ days
Claim Served on Defendant
Court sends claim to tenant
Duration: 5-7 days
Response Period
Tenant has 14 days to respond (can extend to 33)
Duration: 14-33 days
Request Default Judgment
If no response, request judgment online
Duration: 7-14 days to process
Total for undefended: approximately 6-10 weeks (including the 30-day pre-action period).
Defended Claims: What to Expect
If the tenant files a defence, the timeline extends significantly:
- Defence filed: Claim transferred to local court
- Directions questionnaire: Both parties complete (14 days)
- Allocation: Court decides track (small claims under £10k)
- Hearing date: Set 4-12 weeks in future
- Hearing: Both parties attend, judge decides
Defended claims typically take 3-6 months from issue to final judgment. Complex cases or court backlogs can extend this further.
Enforcement Timeline
Getting a CCJ doesn't mean instant payment. If the tenant won't pay voluntarily, enforcement adds more time:
- Warrant of Control: 4-8 weeks for bailiff visit
- Attachment of Earnings: 6-8 weeks to set up
- High Court Enforcement: 2-4 weeks (often faster)
- Charging Order: 6-10 weeks for hearing
Tips for Speeding Up the Process
- Send your LBA promptly—don't wait months after the debt arises
- Use MCOL rather than paper forms (faster processing)
- Ensure all details are correct to avoid delays
- Monitor your claim and respond quickly to any court requests
- Request default judgment as soon as the response deadline passes
Get Your Documents Quickly
Our Money Claim Pack generates your Letter Before Action and Particulars of Claim in minutes—no waiting for solicitors.
Start Your Claim - £28.99FAQs for landlords
Can I speed up the 30-day LBA period?
No. The Pre-Action Protocol requires giving the debtor 30 days. Issuing proceedings earlier could result in cost penalties even if you win.
What if I need the money urgently?
Unfortunately, court processes take time. The only shortcuts are if the tenant pays voluntarily in response to your LBA, or admits the claim immediately.
Is High Court enforcement faster?
Often yes. High Court Enforcement Officers work on commission and typically act faster than county court bailiffs. Available for debts over £600.
Prefer us to prepare it with you?
Assisted prep for landlords who want the file checked before they act
Short callback, focused document preparation, and a clear pack for you to approve before serving or filing.
Unsure about grounds or dates?
£149Section 8 notice prepared with you
A 20-minute callback to prepare or check the Form 3A notice, service details, and notice file before you serve it.
Book Section 8 assisted prep
Need to act after notice?
£399Possession claim pack prepared with you
A 45-minute callback to prepare or check N5, N119, service evidence, bundle steps, and the filing pack.
Book possession claim assisted prep
Rent, damage, bills, or debt?
£249Money claim prepared with you
A 30-minute callback to turn the debt, evidence, pre-action position, and claim wording into a clearer claim pack.
Book money claim assisted prepWhat to do next
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