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.


It is a method of enforcement that allows landlords of commercial premises to recover rent arrears by asking Enforcement Agents (Bailiffs) to take control of the tenant’s goods and if necessary, selling them.


CRAR came into force on 6 April 2014 and applies to most written commercial leases.


CRAR can only be used for premises that are wholly commercial in use, and only for principal rent, not for other sums owed (such as service charges or insurance premiums).


It can only be carried out by Certificated Enforcement Agents such as UK Bailiffs and only after following the statutory procedure



In order to use CRAR, the bailiff company must provide 7 days’ notice of enforcement to the tenant.


If the tenant does not pay the arrears within this period, the enforcement agents may enter the property and seize goods up to the value of the debt. The goods can then be sold if the arrears are not paid.


There must be a minimum sum equivalent to 7 days’ rent outstanding before any action can be taken.


CRAR is a free service for landlords *, with no need to go to court.


However, there are some limitations and requirements that must be met before using CRAR



*fees may be recovered from the landlord if case is withdrawn or tenant pays the landlord direct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