Claiming ownership of goods taken into control
If you believe an item taken into control during a UK Bailiffs CRAR attendance belongs to you rather than the debtor, tell us promptly and put your claim in writing.
This page explains what to include, which documents may help and what happens next.
Act promptly, even if the goods are still on site
Goods can be taken into control without being removed. If you believe an item is yours, raise the issue with the attending agent and send your written claim without delay.
CPR 85.4 requires written notice as soon as practicable and no later than seven days after removal. Do not wait for removal or for every supporting document before giving notice. If removal has already happened, tell us the date immediately.
If a sale is imminent, call us as well as sending your written notice. A telephone call alone is not the written claim required by the rules. Contact does not itself guarantee that all enforcement stops; ask for confirmation of the position concerning the disputed items.
This page concerns ownership of goods taken into control under Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR). Goods left after a lease forfeiture or possession attendance follow a different process. Contact the office if that is your situation.
What your written claim must include
- Your full name and address, confirming that it is your address for service — the address where formal documents about the claim can be sent.
- A list identifying each item you claim.
- The grounds of your ownership claim for each item.
To help us locate the case, also include the case reference, attendance address, agent’s name if known, and your telephone number or email address. If you are claiming for a company, identify the company and your role.
Describe each item clearly: for example, its make, model, serial number, vehicle registration, quantity or distinguishing features. Explain when and how you acquired it and why it was at the premises.
You do not need to use a UKB form. A clear written notice containing the required information can be used.
Evidence that may help establish ownership
Purchase and payment records
- Invoices or receipts identifying you and the item.
- Bank records showing the relevant purchase payment.
- Delivery records, purchase contracts or asset records.
Agreements and identification
- Hire, lease or finance agreements.
- Documents explaining any joint ownership.
- Photographs, serial numbers or other records linking you to the item.
Explain how each document supports your claim. Where a name differs from the name on your claim, explain the connection. A company is a separate legal person from its directors or shareholders: identify who owns the item.
Send copies and keep your originals. Share only information relevant to the claim; unrelated financial transactions may be redacted, provided the information needed to assess ownership remains clear. Do not send passwords, card security details or unrelated identity documents.
Documents will be considered together with your explanation. No single example listed here guarantees acceptance, and a lack of a receipt should be explained rather than treated as a reason to delay giving notice.
Send your written claim
Email help@ukbailiffs.org, identifying the attending agent and case. Use the subject “Ownership claim to controlled goods – [case reference]”. You should also notify the attending agent in writing using the contact details on the case paperwork.
Include the required claim details above and attach the evidence you have available. If documents are sensitive or too large for email, call us to arrange an appropriate transfer method. Do not delay the written notice while arranging evidence transfer.
Keep a copy of your notice, attachments and proof of sending. Ask us to confirm receipt. If you have not received confirmation, call 0330 133 1818 promptly. Do not assume that an email which has failed or been returned has reached us.
If a deadline has passed or you are unsure about valid service, contact us immediately and seek independent legal advice. This page does not extend procedural deadlines or replace the court rules on service.
What happens after a claim is received?
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The claim is recorded
We identify the case and disputed items, review the information supplied and explain any further information needed.
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The formal notification process follows
Under CPR 85.4, a compliant notice is passed to the creditor and any other claimant within three days. They have seven days to respond. You are notified within three days of their response.
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You receive the next steps
If admitted by the creditor, enforcement against those goods ends and removed goods are made available for collection as soon as reasonably practicable. If disputed, maintaining your claim may require a court application supported by evidence. Court fees, payments into court and costs may arise; seek independent advice promptly.
We will explain the position for your claim. Do not treat silence as acceptance or remove, sell, damage or interfere with goods while their controlled status remains unresolved. Tell us immediately about any urgent issue affecting the items.
An ownership claim and a complaint serve different purposes. If you also wish to complain about conduct, tell us separately; a complaint does not replace a written ownership claim or its deadlines.
Common questions
Can I raise ownership before goods are taken into control?
Yes. Tell the agent immediately and show the available evidence. Early information helps identify an ownership issue before further action. If goods are then taken into control, make the written claim promptly.
What if the goods belong partly to me?
Explain your interest and provide relevant documents. Joint ownership needs individual consideration; do not assume that another person’s share automatically prevents control of the debtor’s interest.
What if the goods are mine but I believe they are exempt?
That is a different type of claim under Part 85. Tell us promptly which items you believe are exempt and why, and obtain advice about the applicable procedure and deadlines.
Do I have to pay the debtor’s debt to make a claim?
You do not need to offer payment of someone else’s debt to tell us that goods belong to you. A disputed claim reaching court may involve separate court fees, required payments or costs. Ask an independent adviser about those before making an application.
Need help identifying the case?
Have the attendance address, case reference and details of the disputed goods ready. We can explain how to send your information; we cannot give independent legal advice.
Telephone:
0330 133 1818
Email:
help@ukbailiffs.org
