What is ...

CRAR (Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery) ?

Our Certificated Enforcement Agents (Bailiffs) will attend your commercial rental property and collect your tenants outstanding commercial rent arrears.



Below we explain briefly what it is and how it can help your business.

CRAR stands for Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery.


which is a procedure that allows landlords of commercial premises to recover rent arrears by taking control of the tenant’s goods and selling them.

CRAR came into force on 6 April 2014 and applies to commercial leases. CRAR can only be used for premises that are wholly commercial in use, and only for principal rent, not for other charges.

CRAR can only be carried out by Certificated Enforcement Agents following the statutory procedure.


Recover Your Commercial Rent Arrears Fast and Easy with CRAR

Are you a landlord of commercial property who is struggling to collect rent from your tenants? Do you want to avoid the hassle and expense of going to court? Do you want to recover your rent arrears quickly and efficiently?


If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to know about CRAR.


CRAR stands for Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery, which is a legal procedure that allows you to recover rent arrears by taking control of your tenant’s goods and selling them. CRAR is a free service for landlords, with no need to go to court. You can use CRAR if:

  • Your property is purely commercial, with no residential element
  • Your rent is more than 7 days in arrears
  • You have a written lease or proof of tenancy



All you need to do is contact us and we will send a Certificated Enforcement Agent to your property. They will serve a notice of enforcement to your tenant, giving them 7 days to pay the arrears in full. If they fail to do so, the agent will enter the property and take control of goods up to the value of the debt. The goods will then be sold at auction and the proceeds will be used to pay off the arrears.


CRAR is a fast and effective way to recover your commercial rent arrears. It is also a fair and transparent process that protects the rights of both landlords and tenants. You can find out more about CRAR by reading our [FAQ] page.


Don’t let your tenants get away with not paying their rent. Contact us today and let us help you recover your commercial rent arrears with CRAR.


  • We are a team of experienced and professional Certificated Enforcement Agents who have helped hundreds of landlords recover their commercial rent arrears with CRAR.
  • We work with respect and discretion, ensuring minimal disruption to your business and your tenant’s business.
  • We follow the strict rules and regulations of CRAR, ensuring compliance with the law and avoiding any legal issues.



*fees may be recovered from the landlord if case is withdrawn or tenant pays the landlord direct

  • What is CRAR

    Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery replaced Common Law Distress for Rent in April 2014.


    CRAR is a self help remedy and as such does not require leave from the Court. 


    A landlord can instruct enforcement agents (formerly known as bailiffs) to collect the rent or take control of goods.

  • Do I need a Court Order to instruct bailiffs to collect rent??

    No.  CRAR is a self help remedy and as such does not require leave from the Court. 

  • Under what circumstances can CRAR be used?

    CRAR may only be used on commercial premises and there must be a written lease in place. (If the premises are mixed use or residential use, you will need to obtain a judgment to recover arrears)


    CRAR may only be used to recover rent, interest and VAT. ( If you need to recover other charges such as insurance or service charges, we can help separately).


    The rent must be at least seven days in arrears and the rent owed must be for the value of at least 7 days’ rent.


    The Enforcement Agent (Bailiff) must give the tenant at least 7 days’ notice (excluding Sundays and bank holidays) that he is exercising his right to use CRAR. 


    The rent must still be unpaid at the time the notice is served, as well as immediately before any goods are seized.


    The notice must be served, either by post, hand, fax and electronic communications such as email. Notice will be valid for 12 months.

  • What does Taking Control of Goods mean?

    A Certificated agent will attend your tenants property and take control (seize) of internal and external assets.



    If payment is not received then these goods can be sold at auction to recover money.

  • Are you required to give the tenant notice?

    Previous regulations (Distress for Rent) provided the element of surprise. With no prior notice, the bailiff could turn up and seize your tenants goods. 


    By contrast, under the new regulations of CRAR, we must give the tenant at least 7 clear days notice in writing.


    We will usually send the letter out on the next working day after we have received your instruction.

  • Can anyone take Control of Goods?

    Regulations state that only a Certificate Enforcement Agent may take Control of Goods.


    All of our Agents are Certificated and experienced in collecting Commercial rent arrears.

  • Can I forfeit the lease if you are unsuccessful?

    Not in that quarter/ rent period..  


    By exercising CRAR you are effectively agreeing continuation of lease. 

  • When will I get my money?

    All cleared funds less fees will be paid into your nominated bank witthin 2 working days.

Contact A Recovery Specialist

Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) Section 73 Tribunal Courts and Enforcement Act 2007