Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2026
Important changes to notice periods, timing, fees and case progression.
From 1 May 2026, the process for taking control of goods changes in several important areas. For landlords, creditors, managing agents, insolvency professionals and other instructing clients, the message is straightforward: enforcement remains available, but the front end of the process is becoming more notice-led, more compliance-focused and slightly slower.
What Has Changed?
The Taking Control of Goods (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026 do not remove enforcement action. They change how the process starts and progresses, with more emphasis on notice, debtor engagement and procedural control before attendance and escalation.
For instructing clients, the main point is simple: expect a longer lead-in, tighter paperwork requirements and a stronger compliance focus from the outset.
The previous minimum notice period of 7 clear days is replaced by a minimum of 14 clear days. In some qualifying cases, that period may be extended to 28 clear days.
Longer lead-in
Attendance may not happen as quickly as under the previous timetable, so instructions should be given promptly where recovery action is intended.
Updated notices
Notices now need clearer wording around debt advice and possible extensions to the response period.
Controlled escalation
Where no contact is made on first attendance, the route to further escalation is more controlled than before.
Revised fees
Recoverable fee levels and thresholds are also changing, which matters for cost expectations and internal guidance.
What Clients Need To Know About Timing
From 1 May 2026, the minimum Notice of Enforcement period becomes 14 clear days. That is the new baseline for taking control of goods.
In some non-business cases, where a debt advice provider becomes involved in time, that period may need to be extended to 28 clear days. Not every case will fall into that category, but clients should be aware that the possibility exists.
The practical effect is straightforward: if timing matters, instructions should not be left until the last moment. The earlier a recoverable case is placed into the process, the better positioned the client will usually be.
Recommended Client Approach
1. Instruct earlier
If you know a matter may need enforcement action, build in extra lead time rather than relying on the old timetable.
2. Update internal expectations
Teams still referring to a 7-day notice framework should revise any internal guides, recovery notes or client communications.
3. Focus on compliance
The route remains available, but the value now sits even more clearly in correct paperwork, controlled progression and defensible process.
Fees & Timing
The Regulations also revise the recoverable fee structure. That matters for creditors, legal teams, insolvency practitioners, landlords and managing agents assessing both recovery options and likely enforcement costs.
Alongside the fee changes, the thresholds above which percentage fees apply have also been revised. Any client summaries, public guidance, fee sheets or internal models referring to older figures should be reviewed.
Why This Matters For Instructing Clients
A strong enforcement outcome does not begin at the point of attendance. It begins with choosing the correct route, issuing compliant notices, managing the timetable properly and ensuring the process stands up if later scrutinised.
These amendments reinforce that position. They favour clients who instruct early, prepare properly and understand that speed alone is no longer the only measure of an effective case.
In simple terms, enforcement remains available, but the quality of preparation matters more. A properly instructed case is still capable of moving forward effectively. A poorly timed one is more likely to lose momentum before attendance ever takes place.
Notice of Enforcement – What Has Changed (2026 Update)
The Notice of Enforcement is no longer a simple procedural step. Below is a clear comparison between the previous framework and the updated 2026 requirements, showing where compliance expectations have materially changed.
Previous Position (2014)
Minimum notice period of 7 clear days before enforcement action could take place.
Updated Position (2026)
Minimum notice period increased to 14 clear days, with provision for extension in qualifying cases.
Debt Advice Information
General reference to seeking advice, often included as standard wording without emphasis.
Debt Advice Information
Must clearly signpost access to debt advice services, with stronger and more prominent wording.
Notice Structure
Core information included, but relatively flexible in layout and presentation.
Notice Structure
More structured and prescriptive, including clearer breakdown of debt, fees, and next steps.
Process Approach
Primarily a procedural step before attendance.
Process Approach
Now forms part of a structured engagement phase, with emphasis on giving the debtor a clear opportunity to respond before enforcement progresses.
What This Means for Clients
The Notice of Enforcement is no longer a simple formality. It is now a key compliance document that must demonstrate correct timing, clear wording and a genuine opportunity for engagement before enforcement action proceeds.
UK Bailiffs Fee Calculator (2026)
Updated fees under the Taking Control of Goods Regulations effective 1 May 2026
Note: These are the recoverable fees from the debtor. VAT may be added where applicable. Fees are shown as they would apply from 1 May 2026.
