Form N5B is the fastest way to get a possession order after serving Section 21. No court hearing needed in most cases.
Form N5B can only be used after serving a valid Section 21 notice and the notice period has expired. If you haven't served notice yet, start with our Section 21 template.
Choose based on your eviction notice type and whether you're claiming rent arrears.
| Feature | N5B (Accelerated) | N5 (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Notice type | Section 21 only | Section 8 or Section 21 |
| Court hearing | Usually no | Yes, required |
| Typical timeline | 6-8 weeks | 8-12 weeks |
| Claim rent arrears? | ||
| Court fee | £355 | £355 |
| Written tenancy required? | No |
Use N5B when you just want possession quickly and don't need to claim arrears. Use N5 when you have Section 8 grounds or want to include an arrears claim. Our Complete Pack includes both forms so you're covered either way.
Key sections you'll need to complete on the accelerated possession form.
Enter your name (or company name) as the claimant, and all tenant names as defendants. Include full addresses for both parties.
Full address of the rental property. Confirm it's let on an assured shorthold tenancy and the date the tenancy began.
Date the Section 21 notice was served, the date it expires, and confirmation that Form 6A was used. You'll attach a copy of the notice.
Confirm the deposit was protected, prescribed information provided, and all required documents were given to the tenant (EPC, gas certificate, How to Rent guide).
Sign the statement confirming all information is true. False statements can be contempt of court — ensure everything is accurate.
Our Complete Pack includes pre-structured N5B with guidance for every section, plus all supporting documents you'll need.
The court process from filing to possession order.
Court sends copy to tenant with defence form. Tenant has 14 days to respond.
If tenant files defence, court may order a hearing. If no defence, proceeds to paper decision.
Judge reviews documents and makes decision. If satisfied, issues possession order.
Order gives tenant 14 days to leave. If they don't, apply for warrant of possession.
Form N5B is the court form used to apply for accelerated possession of a property after serving a Section 21 notice. It's called "accelerated" because it's usually decided on paper without a court hearing, making it faster than standard possession claims.
You can use N5B when: (1) you have an assured shorthold tenancy, (2) you served a valid Section 21 notice, (3) the notice period has expired, (4) there is a written tenancy agreement. You cannot use N5B if claiming rent arrears as part of the claim.
Typically 6-8 weeks from filing to receiving the possession order. This is faster than standard possession (N5) which takes 8-12 weeks due to the requirement for a court hearing.
The court fee for Form N5B is £355 (same as standard possession Form N5). This fee must be paid when you submit the form to the court.
Yes, but defences are limited to procedural issues such as: the notice being invalid, deposit not being protected, required documents not provided (EPC, gas certificate, How to Rent guide), or the tenancy not being an AST.
If the tenant files a defence or the judge has concerns, they may order a hearing. This converts the accelerated procedure into something closer to standard possession, adding 4-6 weeks to the timeline.
No, you cannot include a rent arrears claim in Form N5B. If you want to claim arrears, you must use Form N5 (standard possession) or file a separate money claim after getting possession.
You'll need: the completed N5B form, copy of the tenancy agreement, copy of the Section 21 notice, proof of service, and the court fee (£355). Some courts also want copies of EPC, gas certificate, and How to Rent guide.
Our Complete Pack includes everything for court: notices, forms, evidence checklists, and instructions.
Complete Eviction Pack includes N5B, N5, witness statements, and step-by-step filing instructions.
All Court Forms Included • Witness Statements • Step-by-Step Guide
For general information only. This page provides educational content about UK landlord law and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified solicitor.