Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR)

A statutory remedy allowing commercial landlords to recover rent arrears by taking control of a tenant's goods on the leased premises. CRAR replaced the ancient common law remedy of distress for rent and is governed by Part 3 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.

In practice

CRAR can only be used for pure rent arrears (not service charges, insurance, or other sums) on commercial premises under a written lease. The landlord must instruct a certificated enforcement agent who gives the tenant at least 14 clear days' notice. Fees follow Table 1 of the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014, and VAT applies because the agent is a private contractor.