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Landlords Losing Rent, Businesses Stuck in Court — Here’s Your Way Out

From Claire, Your Chief Shergroupie

“He’s had no rent since December… tried everything to get him back on track.”

That was the story that hit me hardest on our September 5th call. A landlord, despite doing everything right, was still left with no rent, no resolution, and no relief — nine months later.

And he’s not alone. Across the UK, we’re hearing the same patterns:

  • Rent Arrears Epidemic → cash flow destroyed by non-paying tenants
  • DIY Legal Disasters → businesses convinced they had High Court permissions, only to find they didn’t
  • Court System Bottlenecks → possession orders and judgments delayed for months

But here’s the other side: in the same week, we helped a client collect full payment against a car dealership — a sector where most give up. Proof that the right strategy, with the right team, can break through even the toughest barriers.

So, the real question is: are you trying to navigate these storms alone, or are you ready to bring in a team like Shergroup that’s already built the map?

How Shergroup is Making a Difference

B2B No Win No Fee Debt Collection

Risk-free recovery for unpaid invoices — you only pay if we collect.

Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR)

A compliant, effective route for landlords to recover unpaid commercial rent.

Residential Property Repossession

Fixed-fee, end-to-end management so landlords regain control quickly and legally.

County Court Judgment (CCJ) Transfer

Turn your judgment into real results by upgrading to High Court enforcement.

Civil Litigation Support

Practical, affordable legal support for businesses too busy to get bogged down — from case assessment to judgment enforcement.

Property Notice & Legal Documentation

Ensure your legal notices are served correctly, with proof and compliance.

Free Resource: Shergroup Outsourcing eBook

Discover smart, cost-effective solutions to your biggest business challenges. Learn how our back-office expertise can streamline your operations, cut costs, and keep your business moving forward — with just one trusted partner.

Practical Reads This Week

  • Eviction Notice to Tenant for Not Paying Rent
    Step-by-step guidance on serving notices correctly, knowing when to escalate, and how to protect your position with High Court enforcement.
  • When to Hire a Debt Recovery Agent for Unpaid Rent
    How to spot the warning signs and why professional recovery secures results quickly, legally, and without draining your cash flow.

Shergroup on the Sofa: With Karen Ainley, Mosaic Marketing

Karen shares how she reshaped her agency during Covid to focus on purpose-driven marketing and the 5Cs of sustainable growth. If you’re seeking business strategies to thrive while staying true to your values, this episode is a must-watch.

We’re always looking for inspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders to join us on the sofa. Got a story worth sharing? We’d love to feature you!

The Final Word

Court delays, non-paying tenants, and DIY legal traps are draining UK businesses every single day. But as our car dealership win proves — you don’t have to accept “that’s just how it is.” With the right partner, you can change the outcome.

Bring us your problem. We’ll bring you a solution.

Claire Sandbrook

CEO, Shergroup Global Consultancy
Making the impossible, possible — one desk at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my tenant hasn’t paid rent for several months?

If your tenant has stopped paying rent, immediate action is essential to protect your financial position. First, document all missed payments and communication attempts. Serve the appropriate legal notice—typically a Section 8 or Section 21 notice for residential tenancies, ensuring strict compliance with current legislation. If the tenant doesn’t vacate or arrange payment, you’ll need to apply for a possession order through the courts. However, court delays currently stretch months, significantly impacting your cash flow. Shergroup’s Residential Property Repossession service offers fixed-fee, end-to-end management, handling everything from initial notice service through to possession and enforcement. We navigate the legal complexities whilst you focus on your other properties and business interests. Contact us at 020 3588 4240 for a free consultation about your specific situation.

How does Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) work?

Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) is a legal remedy available to commercial landlords to recover unpaid rent without going through lengthy court proceedings. CRAR applies when a commercial tenant owes at least seven days’ worth of rent (minimum £750 typically). The process involves certificated enforcement agents taking control of the tenant’s goods at the commercial premises, which can then be sold to recover the debt if payment isn’t forthcoming. However, CRAR has strict compliance requirements, specific notice periods, and excludes certain goods. Shergroup’s CRAR specialists handle the entire process compliantly and effectively, maximising recovery whilst protecting your landlord-tenant relationship where possible. Our experience ensures you avoid costly mistakes that could invalidate your enforcement action. Email [email protected] to discuss whether CRAR is appropriate for your situation.

Why should I transfer my County Court Judgment to the High Court?

Transferring your CCJ to the High Court for enforcement offers significant advantages. High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) possess greater powers than County Court bailiffs, can act more quickly, and typically achieve higher recovery rates. HCEOs can enforce for debts over £600, charge enforcement costs to the debtor rather than you, and bring professional authority that often prompts immediate payment. The transfer process is straightforward, and Shergroup handles all aspects including obtaining the Writ of Control and deploying our certificated officers. We’ve successfully recovered debts in sectors where others have failed—like our recent car dealership case—because we combine legal expertise with strategic enforcement. Don’t let your judgment gather dust when it could become money in your bank. Visit www.shergroup.com to learn how CCJ transfer could transform your outcome.

What is No Win No Fee debt collection and how does it work?

Shergroup’s B2B No Win No Fee debt collection means you assume zero financial risk when pursuing unpaid invoices. We only receive payment if we successfully recover your money—typically a percentage of the amount collected. This performance-based model aligns our interests completely with yours: we’re motivated to achieve results because our success depends on your success. There are no upfront costs, no hidden fees, and no charges if recovery proves unsuccessful. Our experienced team assesses your case, develops a strategic approach, and pursues the debt through negotiation, legal action, and enforcement as required. This service is particularly valuable for businesses with limited resources to risk on uncertain recovery attempts or those facing multiple small-to-medium debts that individually don’t justify legal investment. Call 020 3588 4240 to discuss your unpaid invoices and discover how No Win No Fee collection could work for you.

How long does it take to repossess a residential property for rent arrears?

Residential property repossession timelines vary significantly depending on several factors, including the type of tenancy, the grounds for possession, court processing times, and whether the tenant contests the claim. Currently, court delays mean the process typically takes 4-8 months from serving initial notice to gaining possession—sometimes longer if complications arise. Section 21 “no-fault” evictions (where still applicable) generally proceed faster than Section 8 evictions based on rent arrears, though recent legislative changes have impacted timelines. Shergroup’s Residential Property Repossession service provides realistic timeline expectations for your specific circumstances whilst working efficiently to minimise delays. We ensure all notices and applications are correct first time, avoiding costly setbacks from technical errors. Our end-to-end management means you’re not navigating complex procedures alone. Contact [email protected] for a timeline assessment specific to your case.

Can Shergroup help if my business is owed money by a company that’s gone into administration?

Yes, Shergroup can assist businesses owed money by companies in administration, though the approach differs from standard debt recovery. When a company enters administration, creditors’ rights become restricted, and recovery must work within insolvency procedures. We assess your position as a creditor, advise on registering your claim with the administrator, and evaluate whether any director misconduct or fraudulent trading might provide alternative recovery routes. If personal guarantees exist or directors can be held personally liable, we pursue those avenues. Our insolvency expertise, combined with our Solution Finder platform offering comprehensive business solutions, means we examine every possible angle for recovery. While administration significantly complicates recovery, having experienced professionals assess your options early maximises whatever recovery potential exists. As a global business consultant, we’ve handled complex cross-border insolvency cases and can navigate the most challenging scenarios. Visit www.shergroup.com to discuss your specific circumstances.

What’s the difference between High Court Enforcement Officers and County Court bailiffs?

High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) and County Court bailiffs differ significantly in their powers, effectiveness, and the results they achieve. HCEOs are certificated enforcement agents authorised to enforce High Court writs, possessing greater legal powers than County Court bailiffs. They can force entry to commercial premises (with proper authority), act more quickly without waiting periods required for bailiffs, and typically achieve higher recovery rates due to their professional approach and stronger enforcement powers. Enforcement costs are recoverable from the debtor rather than the creditor, and HCEOs handle larger value cases (over £600 for transferred CCJs). County Court bailiffs have more limited powers, particularly regarding entry, and often face larger caseloads with less flexibility. Shergroup’s team includes experienced certificated HCEOs who bring decades of combined expertise to every case. Our car dealership success story exemplifies how professional High Court enforcement breaks through barriers others can’t overcome. Call 020 3588 4240 to discuss upgrading your enforcement to High Court level.

Does Shergroup only work with large businesses or can small landlords use your services?

Shergroup serves clients of all sizes—from individual landlords with single properties to large corporate portfolios, from small businesses to national enterprises. The landlord we mentioned with nine months of unpaid rent wasn’t a large corporate entity; he was an individual property owner trying to do the right thing but trapped in a broken system. We designed our services to be accessible and cost-effective for clients at every level. Our fixed-fee residential repossession service provides budget certainty for individual landlords. No Win No Fee debt collection eliminates financial risk for small businesses with limited resources. As a global business consultant offering solutions through our Solution Finder platform, we scale our approach to match your needs and circumstances. Whether you’re facing a single problematic tenant or managing a complex commercial portfolio, we bring the same professionalism, expertise, and determination to achieve results. Visit www.shergroup.com or email [email protected] to discuss how we can help, regardless of your business size.

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Last updated | 19 July 2023

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