CRAR Experts
Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR)
Fast, compliant rent recovery for landlords - free of charge to you.
Need help with recovering commercial rent arrears? Our Certificated Enforcement Agents recover rent arrears quickly, efficiently, and the service is free for landlords or managing agents.
Why Managing Agents choose Dukes:
Butters John Bee, Commercial Property Agents
Trusted. Accredited. Experienced.
As one of the UK’s most respected enforcement agencies, Dukes operates to the highest professional and compliance standards. We are professional members and actively participate in all relevant industry institutions and professional bodies. Memberships and accreditations include:
What Is CRAR and When to Use It
Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) is a statutory process that allows landlords to recover unpaid rent from commercial tenants without going to court. CRAR can be exercised only by Certificated Enforcement Agents and applies even if it isn’t explicitly mentioned in the lease.
​
This recovery method is effective if you believe your tenant has sufficient goods or funds to cover arrears. If not, Commercial Forfeiture may be the more appropriate route to regain possession.
CRAR vs Commercial Forfeiture
CRAR is the best recovery method when there are assets to recover against. Forfeiture is appropriate when repossession is the only solution - due to a breach of the lease or if the tenant is considered a "problem tenant".
Instruct Dukes Today!
Recover rent in 7 days
When a tenant fails to meet rental obligations, commercial landlords or managing agents can recover arrears using Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) through Certificated Enforcement Agents, regardless of whether the lease references CRAR.
​
Upon receipt of your instruction, we issue a Notice of Enforcement, advising the tenant that the debt has been passed to us. This gives 7 clear days to make payment. Depending on your preferences, we may request payment in full or arrange a Short-Term Payment Plan (STPP).
​
Once the notice is issued, the tenant's goods are legally bound under CRAR, making it a criminal offence for them to remove or sell items while rent remains unpaid.
​
If a STPP is agreed, the tenant signs a Controlled Goods Agreement (CGA). We will attend the premises, inventory the goods, and hold them under control until the full balance is paid. Any breach of this plan may result in further attendance and removal of goods for auction.
How the CRAR Process Works
Step 1
Instruction Received
Complete our online Warrant of Control to instruct Dukes Bailiffs.
Step 2
Notice of Enforcement
We issue the Notice of Enforcement within 24 hours, giving the tenant 7 days to make payment.
Step 3
Payment Negotiation or STPP
Full payment of arrears is requested, or a short-term arrangement is offered.
Step 4
Enforcement Visit (Day 8)
If unpaid, our Certificated Enforcement Agent attends the premises to recover the arrears in full.
Step 5
Taking Control of Goods
Goods may be secured under a Controlled Goods Agreement (CGA) or removed for auction.
Step 6
Auction and Remittance
Seized goods sold via approved auctioneers; recovered funds remitted to the landlord.
All enforcement is carried out under the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 and the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013.
CRAR Eligibility Criteria
Before CRAR can proceed, landlords must be able to evidence:
​
-
Lease in existence:
A valid written lease or tenancy exists where rents are clearly defined.
​
-
Rent outstanding:
Principal rent must be overdue by at least 7 days.
-
Principal rent only:
CRAR applies to commercial rent, interest, and VAT only, not service charges or insurance.
​
-
Commercial property only:
The property must not be mixed-use (residential and commercial together). Separate leases for residential areas are acceptable.
Unsure Which Recovery Route Is Right?
Download our free guide:
"CRAR: When to seek recovery from an Enforcement Agency "
If you are usure whether CRAR is the right option, download our free, practical guide - it explains when CRAR applies, when it doesn’t, and how landlords should approach recovery decisions before taking enforcement action.
A clear, practical guide to using CRAR correctly and choosing the right recovery route with confidence.
CRAR Enforcement Costs & Fees Explained
CRAR is free to landlords. All enforcement costs are chargeable to the tenant.*
​
Costs payable by the tenant*:
-
£75.00 – Statutory compliance fee (Notice of Enforcement).
-
£235.00 – Enforcement visit fee (plus 7.5% on balances above £1,500).
-
Storage costs (if goods are seized).
-
Auctioneer costs (if goods are sold to cover arrears).
​
Costs payable by the landlord:
-
VAT (20%) is applied to the service as a business cost, payable by the instructing landlord or managing agent.
​​
For questions about VAT charges, please contact our enforcement team at 01785 825 501
​
With nothing to pay upfront, why wait to recover arrears owed to you or your client?
Why Landlords Choose Dukes Bailiffs
Fast
Service
Our nationwide Enforcement Agents begin recovery within 24 hours of your instruction, acting swiftly to protect your interests.
Free
Service
Our CRAR process is free for landlords.
All statutory enforcement costs are added to the tenant's balance.
Professional Tenant’s Interaction
Our agents are trained to uphold Dukes’ core values: Conscience, Respect, Excellence, Service, and Trust.
We prioritise professional conduct to protect your ongoing tenant relationships.
Trusted
Expertise
With over 30 years of experience, Dukes Bailiffs is trusted by landlords, managing agents, and solicitors nationwide for effective, compliant rent arrears recovery.
Related Services
Terminate a lease and regain possession when tenants default or breach their lease.
Recover Your Rent Arrears With Confidence
To instruct Dukes Bailiffs Limited for fast, compliant, and free of charge rent recovery services, simply complete our online form or call us at 01785 825501.