# Maximum time limit to start court possession on section 21 notice

**URL:** <https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/maximum-time-limit-to-start-court-possession-on-section-21-notice/43336>\
**Category:** Legal\
**Created:** [4 January 2023 23:48 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/maximum-time-limit-to-start-court-possession-on-section-21-notice/43336 "2023-01-04T23:48:25Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Rach](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/rach/32/9284_2.png) [@Rach](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Rach)\
**Post date:** [4 January 2023 23:48 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/maximum-time-limit-to-start-court-possession-on-section-21-notice/43336/1 "2023-01-04T23:48:26Z")

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Hi all,

I have 2 queries I am hoping to get some advice on.

1. How long after issuing a section 21 notice can i start the accelerated court posession?  
I have seen 6 months on some sites but then shelter website states 4 months so am slightly confused.

2. If i get the possesion order via section 21, can i still claim for rent arrears any other way? Would it be via MCOL or small claims etc?

Many thanks

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**Author:** ![David122](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/david122/32/1449_2.png) [@David122](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/David122)\
**Post date:** [5 January 2023 10:59 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/maximum-time-limit-to-start-court-possession-on-section-21-notice/43336/2 "2023-01-05T10:59:58Z")

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The s21 notice is a bare 2 months from the date of service, (add a couple of days if posting and I usually add a further 2 days just in case). You can apply for a possession order as soon as it expires if the tenant doesn’t leave. The shelf life of the notice is 6 months from the date of service, so you must apply within 4 months of expiry.

Yes, you would claim for losses via MCOL. I suggest after the tenant has left so that you know the full extent of arrears and damage.

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**Author:** ![Rach](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/rach/32/9284_2.png) [@Rach](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Rach)\
**Post date:** [5 January 2023 11:37 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/maximum-time-limit-to-start-court-possession-on-section-21-notice/43336/3 "2023-01-05T11:37:16Z")

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@David122 thank you for your response. So the S21 expired on 1st Nov 22. Am i correct in assuming that i then have upto 1st March 23 to apply for possession order?

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**Author:** ![David122](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/david122/32/1449_2.png) [@David122](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/David122)\
**Post date:** [5 January 2023 14:29 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/maximum-time-limit-to-start-court-possession-on-section-21-notice/43336/4 "2023-01-05T14:29:37Z")

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Yes, that’s correct.

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**Author:** ![system](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/community.openrent.co.uk/system/32/11_2.png) [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\
**Post date:** [16 August 2024 01:50 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/maximum-time-limit-to-start-court-possession-on-section-21-notice/43336/5 "2024-08-16T01:50:53Z")

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