Can I use CRAR for a mixed-use property (e.g., shop with flat above)?

Only if the commercial lease is entirely separate. CRAR cannot be used if any part of the demised premises is used as a dwelling. If the lease covers both the shop and the flat, you cannot use CRAR; you would need a standard court judgment instead.

How much rent must be owed before I can use CRAR?

The tenant must owe an amount equal to at least 7 days' rent. This "pure rent" calculation includes VAT and interest but cannot include service charges, insurance, or utility bills—even if these are defined as "rent" in your lease.

Can you force entry into the premises?

No. Under CRAR, we cannot force entry (kick down a door) to initially take control of goods. We must enter peacefully through an unlocked door or normal route. However, once we have entered and "taken control" of goods, we can re-enter (using force if necessary) to remove them later if the tenant breaks the payment agreement.

When can you visit the premises?

We can execute CRAR enforcement between 06:00 and 21:00, 7 days a week. If the business operates outside these hours (e.g., a nightclub or bakery), we can also attend during their normal trading hours.

What goods can you seize?

We can seize goods belonging to the tenant that are on the premises (e.g., stock, machinery, vehicles, office equipment). We cannot seize goods belonging to third parties (like leased photocopiers), tools of the trade used personally by a sole trader (up to £1,350), or perishable items.

Do I have to pay for this service?

Usually, no. The law requires the debtor (your tenant) to pay the enforcement fees. These are added to the debt. If the recovery is successful, you receive your rent arrears in full, and we recover our fees from the tenant. You only pay if you instruct us to withdraw or if the tenant has no assets.

Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR)

Immediate Rent Recovery for Commercial Landlords

Cash flow is critical. When a commercial tenant stops paying, you have a statutory right to recover that money immediately. Using CRAR (Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery), we enforce this right on your behalf. No court order is required—just a written lease and our certificated team ready to act.

The Legal Context: Your Rights as a Landlord

‍CRAR is governed by the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. It replaces the old "law of distress" and provides a strictly regulated framework for recovering "pure rent" (base rent, VAT, and interest). It empowers landlords to instruct enforcement agents to seize tenant goods to settle the debt.

Our 3-Step Process

‍We manage the entire lifecycle to ensure strict compliance:

Notice of Enforcement: We issue a statutory 7-day notice to the tenant, warning them that enforcement action is imminent. This alone often prompts immediate payment.
Attendance & Control: If payment isn't made, our Certificated Enforcement Agents attend the premises. We take legal control of goods (inventory) or secure payment there and then.
Recovery: If the debt remains unpaid, we remove and sell the seized goods at auction to cover your arrears and our costs.

Reassurance: Fully Certificated Officers

‍CRAR is a powerful tool, but it must be used correctly. One mistake in the procedure can make the enforcement unlawful. That’s why every Able Investigations officer is fully certificated by the County Court and an expert in the specific regulations of the 2007 Act. We protect your liability by doing it exactly by the book.

Client Benefit: Speed and Cost

Faster: We can act as soon as rent is 7 days overdue. No waiting for court dates.
Zero Cost to You: By law, the costs of enforcement are recoverable from the tenant. You typically pay nothing for the successful recovery of your rent.

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What our clients say

“Many thanks from myself and Eurotunnel for your prompt and efficient removal of these persons and their vehicles. I will not hesitate to use your services should it be needed again. The police and my colleagues were very impressed with the efficiency and professional attitude of your officers.”

Robert Gregory

Eurotunnel

“Able is always my first call. Steve and his team are superb. They offer a friendly and thoroughly reliable service and will ensure that all work is completed professionally, with accuracy and pride, and all at an incredibly competitive cost.”

Karen Riley

Henriques Griffiths

"I must say your level of professionalism and value for money goes above and beyond. The team you sent me were professional and polite. They quickly made me feel safe and at ease and they made what I anticipated being a harrowing experience actually quite pleasant! All four of your boys were an absolute credit to you and your business... The best advice anyone ever gave me was telling me to call your office that day. Thank you all for a truly outstanding service.”

Sian Mansell

The Skin Collective

“Your offices dealt with this in a very calm and ordered way keeping me fully up to speed on developments… your representatives are a credit to your business.”

Matt Bowler-Jones

Bridgnorth Cricket Club

“Able Enforcements are an invaluable ally when faced with strict time limits and the need to ensure that very specific criteria relating to the service documents have been met. I would recommend Steve and Able Enforcements to anyone requiring a professional, prompt and reliable Process Server.”

BLB

BLB Solicitors

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FAQ

Clients frequently ask

Get a Clear Course of Action with a Free Consultation

We believe that successful enforcement is measured by resolution over confrontation, so we aim to de-escalate the situation you’re facing, not intensify it. If that sounds right for you, give us a call. We’ll listen to your issue, assess your case, and advise on the most reasonable way forward. You can ask us any questions you have about us or the legal process, and learn more about our approach. All commitment-free.

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