Oct 1, 2026

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 brought in new protest offences and changed how the police handle demonstrations. This blog explains what those changes do, and the options open to a landowner or site manager when protesters occupy private land: trespass law, court injunctions and site security.

Sep 7, 2026

The CRAR notice period rose from seven to 14 clear days in May 2026, so rent falling due on Michaelmas quarter day will not reach enforcement until late October. This blog explains how commercial rent arrears recovery works now, what it costs, and what it cannot recover.

Aug 12, 2026

Negotiated Stopping has returned to council agendas across the UK in 2026, with York and Plymouth both adopting the approach in July. This blog explains what it is, what it means in practice for councils managing unauthorised encampments on their land, and if it changes the legal position for private landowners. It also covers what the broader shift in enforcement policy signals, and what you should be doing in response.

Jul 15, 2026

A Section 8 notice doesn't end a tenancy. In fact, plenty of tenants stay put once the deadline passes. This blog explains what landlords and solicitors should do next, from applying for a possession order through the court to enforcing it with a warrant or writ. It also covers where bottlenecks most often come up, and why solid evidence of service makes the difference between a smooth possession claim and a disputed one.

Jun 18, 2026

Unauthorised encampments raise an immediate question: who can act, and how quickly? The answer depends on who owns the land, and each comes with its own legal route. This blog breaks down what the police can and can't do under Sections 61 and 62A, when a council can use Section 77 to issue a direction to leave, and what private landowners can do under common law without waiting on either.

May 28, 2026

Section 21 has been abolished, changing how residential landlords in England can legally regain possession of their property. This blog explains the move to Section 8 eviction notices, the grounds landlords can use, the evidence required, and the process to follow. It also clarifies what the Renters’ Rights Act means for commercial landlords.

Apr 28, 2026

Unauthorised traveller encampments are appearing with increasing frequency across the UK, and Easter 2026 brought a fresh wave of emergency legal proceedings at sites in Surrey, Kent, and Hertfordshire. The rise is driven by a chronic shortage of authorised traveller sites, planning system delays, and a legal enforcement framework that is currently in transition. We break down the data, the law, and what to do if an encampment appears on your land.

Mar 31, 2026

If your land is easy to access and appears unmonitored, it is far more likely to attract an unauthorised encampment. This blog explains how to reduce that risk with site security measures, regular inspections, and clear signs that the land is being managed. It also covers what to do if travellers have already moved onto your land, why you should avoid taking matters into your own hands, and when to seek professional support.

Feb 20, 2026

When a dispute reaches the point where informal resolution is no longer possible, making a court claim may be the only way to recover money owed. Whether...

Jan 7, 2026

Process serving is the process of formally delivering legal documents to a person or business. Getting this step right protects due process and keeps a claim...

Nov 7, 2025

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (formerly the Renters’ Rights Bill), which received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, marks one of the most significant reforms to the private rented sector in decades. Designed to offer tenants stronger protections while maintaining fair rights for landlords, the Act introduces major changes to tenancy rules, eviction procedures, and housing standards across England.

Oct 20, 2025

A claim form has to be served within four months in England and Wales, and missing that deadline can get a claim struck out. This blog explains what counts as late service under CPR 7.5, how deemed service dates work, what to do first if you've missed a deadline, and how to avoid the mistakes that most often cause late service.

Sep 18, 2025

Private land, especially if it is unprotected, is vulnerable to illegal occupation from travellers and squatters. Property damage, business disruption, and the number of occupiers can escalate. If action isn’t taken quickly, damage control can become costly. Discovering such an encampment on your land is disturbing, but thankfully, there are swift and structured solutions available.

Aug 19, 2025

Repeated failed service can stall a claim, but the Civil Procedure Rules give you several ways forward. This blog explains why process serving fails, how tracing and surveillance help, and when you can serve by post, apply for alternative service under CPR 6.15, or extend the deadline. It also covers the evidence a court expects to see.

Jul 22, 2025

When unauthorised individuals occupy your commercial premises, it can quickly turn from an inconvenience to a legal and financial liability. As a commercial...

Jun 20, 2025

Evictions can be one of the most stressful and legally sensitive challenges for landlords, property managers, and solicitors. Whether you are dealing with a...

Jun 17, 2025

Repealing the Vagrancy Act: A Shift in Approach The Vagrancy Act 1824, once a cornerstone of street-level enforcement, was officially repealed through the...

Jun 2, 2025

Without a written lease, the way you remove a commercial tenant depends on the type of tenancy you have. This blog compares oral leases, tenancies at will and periodic tenancies, the notice each route needs, and the choice between peaceable re-entry and court proceedings, with typical costs and timescales. It also covers tenant protections and mixed-use properties.

Mar 21, 2025

Forfeiting a commercial lease is a legal process that allows landlords to take back possession of their property when a tenant has breached the terms of their...

Mar 11, 2025

Press release – for immediate release. Tuesday, 11th, March, 2025 ( Steve Wood, left, of Able Enforcements with Neil Coish of Swisco ) Authorities at one of...

Mar 6, 2025

Forfeiting a commercial lease is a legal process that enables landlords to reclaim possession of the property when a tenant has breached the terms of their...

Jan 23, 2025

Section 21 has now been abolished under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. For the current process, read "Section 21 is Abolished. How do Landlords Serve an Eviction Notice Now?"

Jan 16, 2025

Section 21 has now been abolished under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. For the current process, read Section 21 is Abolished. How do Landlords Serve an Eviction Notice Now?

Nov 19, 2024

Managing Traveller evictions can be a challenging process for local authorities. From welfare checks to securing court orders, every step requires a careful...

Oct 29, 2024

When it comes to legal proceedings, ensuring that all parties involved are properly notified is crucial. This is where process serving plays a vital role....

Sep 20, 2024

Squatters in an unoccupied property can cause serious problems for owners, whether the property is a residential building or a commercial building. Besides the...

Sep 3, 2024

An enforcement agency bailiff is a party or individual that holds the legal authority to collect debts. The official term ‘enforcement officer’ has been in use...

Aug 21, 2024

Being a landlord is a great investment. It can be an enjoyable venture when you have a good relationship with your tenants. However, when an eviction is...

Jun 12, 2024

For landlords and landowners across the UK, regaining control of your property from squatters or errant tenants can be a daunting task. Understanding the legal...

May 20, 2024

Most trespass in the UK is a civil issue, so the police will only step in when a crime is involved. This blog explains when trespassing becomes a criminal offence, including aggravated trespass and unauthorised encampments, what Section 61 and other police powers allow, and how landowners can remove trespassers lawfully when the police can't help.

Apr 26, 2024

A commercial landlord can still evict a tenant who has no written lease, but that tenant may have more protection than expected. This blog explains how oral leases and tenancies at will work, the grounds for eviction, the notice and court order steps, and how security of tenure under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 affects your options.

Mar 15, 2024

In the legal system, the proper serving of court documents is crucial for ensuring due process and upholding justice. When initiating legal action against an...

Mar 4, 2024

Squatting, the act of occupying an empty or abandoned property without the permission of the owner, poses a significant challenge for property owners in the...

Jan 24, 2024

If you are owed payments for a car under a hire purchase or conditional sale agreement, repossession is a right you may wish to exercise. But a common question...

Dec 19, 2023

As a creditor, repossessing goods from debtors who have fallen behind on payments can seem like an effective way to recoup losses. However, in the UK, seizing...

Nov 15, 2023

Section 21 has now been abolished under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. For the current process, read "Section 21 is Abolished. How do Landlords Serve an Eviction Notice Now?"

Sep 28, 2023

As a landlord in the UK, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to evict a lodger who is renting a room in your property. While lodgers do not...

Aug 11, 2023

Process serving is an important and often overlooked aspect of legal proceedings. Simply put, process serving is the delivery of legal documents to individuals...

Jun 12, 2023

Section 21 has now been abolished under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. For the current process, read "Section 21 is Abolished. How do Landlords Serve an Eviction Notice Now?"

May 31, 2023

As a landowner, it's essential to know the difference between trespassing and squatting to protect your property and avoid legal issues. Trespassing and...

Apr 28, 2023

Public events such as concerts, festivals, screenings, and sporting events are an integral part of British culture. They bring people together to celebrate and...

Mar 24, 2023

Surveillance laws in the UK have become increasingly important in recent years, as advancements in technology have made monitoring activities easier. With the...

Mar 20, 2023

Working with enforcement officers, also known as bailiffs, is among the most straightforward ways to reclaim your money when a debtor fails to repay it on...

Mar 20, 2023

It's increasingly common to find travellers camping on your land, especially if it's vast, by the roadside, and unused. Some of these individuals don't even...

Feb 23, 2023

If you’re a landowner in the UK, trespassing is something you may have to deal with in one way or another. Trespassing is defined by the act of entering...

Jan 6, 2023

Obtaining a County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a crucial step in recovering outstanding debt or repossessing goods or property. Once you have a CCJ, you can choose...

Nov 25, 2022

A pre-sue report, also often known as a status report , can be a valuable tool in recovering debt from an individual or business. Knowing as much as possible...

Nov 21, 2022

Once a tenant has been evicted or otherwise moved on to a new property, it is not unheard of for them to leave personal possessions. In most cases, these items...

Nov 2, 2022

When renting out a property, a written tenancy agreement should be constructed in order to set out all rights and obligations of both tenant and landlord....

Oct 31, 2022

Security or police are often present at planned protests or activist action. This is to ensure their safety and that of the general public, as well as to...

Oct 28, 2022

Are you owed money, but you're not sure how to reclaim it? It can be difficult to know where to start when trying to reclaim the debt. A status report is a...

Oct 25, 2022

A squatter is a person who settles in or occupies a property with no legal claim to the premises. However, there is a difference between Residential and...

Sep 27, 2022

When running a business or event, there is always risk of criminal activity or disorderly behaviour. Therefore, it is important to be more vigilant about...

Sep 15, 2022

Recovering debt from an individual can be a difficult task, especially without the correct legal advice and plan of action. Having a clean debt recovery plan...

Jul 4, 2022

Squatting in a house or flat has been a criminal offence in England and Wales since 2012, but squatting in commercial buildings and on land is not a crime in itself, and a long-term squatter can still apply to own the property. This blog explains which squatters' rights still exist, how adverse possession works, and the legal routes to removing squatters.

Jun 28, 2022

Being owed money can be very infuriating and uncomfortable, and even worse when going through the process of recovering it! There are many things to consider...

Jun 15, 2022

A security guard is hired to protect a place or person and ensure any individuals and or things are not harmed. They can also be employed to implement crowd...

May 13, 2022

63% of the adult population in the UK entered 2020 with personal debt. You've been owed money for months, and you're finally at the end of your rope. The...

May 13, 2022

If you’re dealing with a situation where you have received a County Court Judgement enabling you to recover an asset, you may be looking for an enforcement...

Apr 19, 2022

Have you ever found yourself locked in a heated dispute with one of your tenants? Unfortunately, problem tenants can be the worst nightmare for landlords. Some...

Mar 23, 2022

If you're a landlord in the UK, it's essential to understand the eviction rules and what type of notice you should utilise if you want the tenant to leave....

Mar 15, 2022

Having a residential property is one thing, finding the right tenants is another altogether. As a landlord, you must have given a thought to how to choose the...

Mar 9, 2022

Nearly one in five households in England live in the private rented sector, with 17% of the total living in the social rented sector. Only 65% of people in the...

Feb 10, 2022

Serving legal documents at the wrong address or by the wrong method can delay a claim or get it struck out. This blog explains where the Civil Procedure Rules allow papers to be served on individuals, partnerships and companies, when service at a workplace, by email or through social media is permitted, and what to do if the recipient's address is unknown.

Feb 6, 2022

When you own land that is undeveloped such as fields and roadside areas, one of the problems you can face is when travellers make use of this land to camp...

Jan 24, 2022

In 2021, we saw a continuation of the previous trends in private renting. This meant more delays, rapidly changing covid legislation, and a restriction on...

Jan 19, 2022

Evicting tenants through the official legal procedure inevitably takes some money and research. If your tenant does not defend against your section 8...

Dec 31, 2021

Process server fees in the UK usually fall between £50 and £200, but the headline price rarely tells you what is included. This blog explains what affects the cost, from location and tracing to same-day service and extra visits, why the cheapest option can cost more if service fails, and what Able's fixed £155 + VAT fee covers.

Dec 8, 2021

A process server delivers legal documents to the right person at the right time, and provides the evidence a court needs to show it happened. This blog explains what process servers do, which documents they handle, from claim forms to non-molestation orders, why serving papers yourself can put a case at risk, and what proof of service you receive.

Nov 22, 2021

Section 21 has now been abolished under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. For the current process, read "Section 21 is Abolished. How do Landlords Serve an Eviction Notice Now?"

Nov 19, 2021

What is a security guard, and what do they do? A Security Officer, also known as a Security Guard , is responsible for ensuring the safety of the property,...

Nov 2, 2021

Serving divorce papers is often where a separation gets complicated, especially if a spouse is hostile or has moved without leaving an address. This blog explains how the divorce process works, who can legally serve the papers, whether they can be served at work or by email, and how a process server can trace a spouse and deliver papers when you can't do it yourself.

Sep 30, 2021

As a landlord, one of the things that will always be on your mind is the problem of squatters. Having squatters move in then legally dealing with evicting them...

Sep 27, 2021

Whilst never the ideal outcome when renting out your property, part of the job includes dealing with problem tenants. For a range of reasons, you may find...

Aug 23, 2021

If you own your own home or land in the UK then the problem of trespassers is one you can encounter in some form at any stage. Trespassing can be anything from...

Jul 29, 2021

As a landlord, getting the right tenant is always tricky. This can be even harder with commercial properties as these are used for business and rely on the...

Jul 16, 2021

Section 21 has now been abolished under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. For the current process, read "Section 21 is Abolished. How do Landlords Serve an Eviction Notice Now?"

Jul 1, 2021

During the last eighteen months, many landlords have seen their retinal income collapse because of the Government's Covid-19 rules on cessation of CRAR and...

Jun 7, 2021

You are possibly aware that Bristol has become the hub of anti-establishment squatter action in recent months. This means that squatters are becoming more...

May 24, 2021

As a landlord, the position of a commercial tenant not paying rent is a big issue. In the current pandemic, this problem has become more complex and...

May 11, 2021

Case Study Let’s take a look at a situation we encountered the other day… One of our clients had squatters on his land. After having discussed the situation at...

Apr 29, 2021

The issue of Travellers and where they can set up caravans is always a difficult one. While the rule for the private landowner is relatively clear, it can be a...

Mar 29, 2021

Section 21 has now been abolished under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. For the current process, read "Section 21 is Abolished. How do Landlords Serve an Eviction Notice Now?"

Feb 8, 2021

Section 21 has now been abolished under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. For the current process, read "Section 21 is Abolished. How do Landlords Serve an Eviction Notice Now?"

Jan 4, 2021

Who Are High Court Enforcement Officers? A High Court Enforcement Officer, also known as an HCEO, is an officer of the High Court in either England or Wales....

Nov 20, 2020

Before papers can be served, the process server has to find the person named on them. This blog explains how process servers confirm an address and use details such as a workplace, vehicle or phone number to locate someone, what proof of service follows, and the options left when a recipient cannot be found, including newspaper and social media service.

Sep 21, 2020

Security guards have become a more common sight in recent years. From banks to events or simply in the background when someone notable is around, we often see...

Aug 14, 2020

Security guards are a common sight around shops and other business types. They offer that sense of protection for both business owners and people visiting the...

Jul 31, 2020

Many commercial landlords and tenants had long complained that the current laws were outdated, overly complicated and unfair. They seemed to favour the...

Jul 14, 2020

Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) is a process that was introduced on April 6 th , 2014 to replace Distress for Rent. It means that landlords can recover...

May 26, 2020

There are countless examples of it – a business shuts down and within days, squatters have moved in. Or a business is closed for refurbishment and while the...

Apr 27, 2020

Finding that travellers have settled in your public or private car park can have a serious impact on your company and surrounding businesses. Being unable to...

Feb 20, 2020

Process serving is where a legal document must be delivered to a specific person. This needs to be done at a level which ensures the person receives the...

Dec 23, 2019

Enforcement officers work for local authorities, civil enforcement agencies and county courts. They have a key role to play in collecting outstanding debts,...

Nov 27, 2019

Being the owner of unoccupied land can leave you vulnerable to squatters/travellers taking up occupation on your property and, understandably, you would want...

Nov 26, 2019

A trespasser is defined as someone who enters a person’s land or property without the landowner’s permission. As a landowner, you have two main civil options...

Sep 23, 2019

The presence of travellers is a serious problem in UK. Every day, land owners experience problems with travellers setting up camp on their land, without...

Aug 28, 2019

Across the UK, there’s a housing crisis with people having to wait for long periods to get to the top of the list. This has created a knock-on effect onto the...

Aug 22, 2019

A CCJ – or County Court Judgement – is a stage of debt recovery that means a court has been contacted and is now responsible for dealing with the debtor. If...

May 22, 2019

Trespassing may seem like a minor crime carried out by youths and neighbourhood cats, but trespassing can be the start of a stressful and costly period for...