Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013

Effective from April 6, 2014, these regulations apply specifically in England and Wales.
Governed by the Tribunals, Courts, and Enforcement Act 2007.

"Controlled goods": Defined in a specific part of the Act.
A "child" is defined as anyone under 16 years old.
"Clear days": Days counted excluding the start day and event day.
"Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery" (CRAR): A process for landlords to reclaim unpaid rent.
"Creditor" and "debtor": Defined roles regarding money owed; creditor is owed money, debtor owes money.
"Disabled person": Someone with significant impairments (e.g., blindness, deafness).
"Enforcement agent": Authorized individual to take control of goods as per the Act.
"Net unpaid rent": The amount still owed by the debtor.
"Notice of enforcement": Formal notice required before goods can be seized.
"Older person": Defined as anyone aged 65 years or older.
"Premises": Refers to any property pertinent to the regulations.
"Reference number": Unique identifier assigned to the debt.
"Sum outstanding": Total amount owed including interest and additional costs.
"Taking control of goods": The act of seizing goods under the authority given by the Act.

Regulations apply when seizing and selling goods under the authority of the Act, across all cases unless otherwise specified.

Goods that cannot be seized include:
- Tools and equipment necessary for work or education valued up to £1,350.
- Basic household items for daily living (e.g., cooker, refrigerator, washing machine, beds).
- Assistance dogs, pets, and vehicles for disabled individuals.
- Vehicles used in emergency services (police, fire, ambulance).
Certain exemptions do not apply for government or tax-related debts.
Goods that serve as a person's primary residence are also exempt from seizure.

Notice Period: Debtor must receive at least 7 clear days' notice prior to seizure; specific days like Sundays and holidays are excluded.
- Courts may shorten this notice if goods are at risk of being moved or disposed of.

Must include in writing:
- Debtor's name and address.
- Reference number associated with the debt.
- Details regarding the debt and payment instructions.
- Deadline to pay to avoid seizure.

Notice can be delivered through post, fax, email, or hand delivery by the enforcement agent or their office.

Seizure must occur within 12 months of the notice unless a repayment plan is in effect and subsequently broken; courts can extend this term by an additional 12 months under specific conditions.

Goods cannot be seized if:
- The debtor is a child.
- Only children or vulnerable persons are present.
- Goods are on certain types of premises during emergency periods.
- Goods are being used in a way that might breach peace at the time of intended seizure.