Taking control of goods act 2013
Taking Control of Goods Act 2013
Know your legal rights • Understand the process • Get protected
Why This Law Matters
- Strict procedures bailiffs must follow
- Required notices they must provide
- Fixed fee structure prevents overcharging
- Your protection against abuse
✓ Law introduced 2014 to stop bailiff abuse
Before vs After 2014
The Act transformed bailiff enforcement:
Before: Unexpected seizures, inflated fees
After: Clear rules, fixed fees, proper notice
Mandatory documentation required
The Three-Stage Legal Process
Bailiffs must follow this exact sequence by law
Compliance Stage
£75 Maximum Fee
- 7 clear days notice period
- Notice of Enforcement issued
- Time to arrange payment plan
- No bailiff visit yet
This is your window to resolve the debt
Enforcement Stage
£235 Maximum Fee*
- Bailiff visits your property
- Taking control of goods
- Controlled goods agreement
- Inventory must be provided
*Plus 7.5% of debt over £1,500
Sale Stage
£110 Maximum Fee*
- Goods physically removed
- Prepared for auction sale
- Storage costs may apply
- Sale notice required
*Plus 7.5% of debt over £1,500
Documents Bailiffs Must Provide
Stage 1 Documents
- Notice of Enforcement – Total debt + £75 fee clearly stated
- Payment deadline – Specific date for payment or arrangement
- Visit date warning – When they will visit if unpaid
Stage 2 Documents
- Controlled Goods Agreement – Detailed list of seized items
- Inventory – Serial numbers, descriptions, signatures
- Fee breakdown – All costs clearly itemised
Stage 3 Documents
- Notice of Sale – Date, time, location of auction
- Goods valuation – Reserve price information
- Storage receipts – Itemised storage costs
Additional Notices
- Warning of Immobilisation – If vehicle to be clamped
- Notice of Re-entry – If agreement breached
- Abandonment Notice – If goods left unclaimed
What to Do If Bailiffs Don’t Follow the Law
- ✓ No proper notice given
- ✓ Excessive fees charged
- ✓ Wrong documentation provided
- ✓ Forced entry on first visit
- ✓ Taking exempt goods
- ✓ Threatening behaviour
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Key Legal Protections
What the 2013 Act guarantees you
7-Day Notice
Bailiffs must give you 7 clear days notice before visiting. No surprise visits allowed.
Clear Documentation
All fees, procedures, and your rights must be clearly explained in writing.
Fixed Fees
Bailiffs cannot charge whatever they want. Fees are set by law with strict maximums.
Before April 2014 vs Now
| Aspect | Before 2014 | After 2014 (Current Law) |
|---|---|---|
| Notice Period | Often no notice or unclear timing | 7 clear days minimum notice required |
| Fees | Variable, often inflated charges | Fixed maximum fees set by law |
| Documentation | Vague or incomplete paperwork | Mandatory detailed documentation |
| Procedures | Inconsistent enforcement practices | Standardised three-stage process |
| Rights | Limited debtor protection | Clear rights and complaint procedures |