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...
Read this first
This guide explains the problem in plain English first, then shows you the next practical step when you are ready.
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
Ready to start recovering the money?
If the arrears keep growing, move from reading to action with the documents you need for the claim.
- 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 - £29.99FAQs 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.
What to do next
Core eviction guides to keep your case moving
Keep your case connected with the core possession guides most landlords need during arrears and notice problems.
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