Rated4.8/5 | 1017 reviews

Money Claim CCJ Enforcement Support

If you already have a CCJ and the tenant still has not paid, this guide explains the enforcement routes landlords usually consider next and what each one is really for.

Start here if you need the main guide on this issue. If your situation is narrower or you want the next practical step, go to tenant not paying rent in the UK.

If you want the wider background first, read landlord money claim guide.

Ready to act? The quickest route from here is money claim pack for unpaid rent.

Enforce your judgment

CCJ Enforcement: Getting Paid

You have a County Court Judgment - now what? Learn how to actually recover the money from a tenant who won't pay voluntarily.

Understanding CCJ Enforcement

Important: A CCJ only confirms the debt exists - it doesn't force payment. If the debtor ignores the judgment, you need to take enforcement action, which has additional fees.

After winning a money claim, you'll have a County Court Judgment (CCJ). If the tenant pays within 30 days, they can apply to have it removed from their credit record. If they don't pay, you have several enforcement options depending on their circumstances.

Before you enforce, consider:

  • Do they have a job? (Attachment of Earnings)
  • Do they own property? (Charging Order)
  • Do they have a bank account with funds? (Third Party Debt Order)
  • Do they have valuable possessions? (Warrant of Control)

Enforcement Options

Warrant of Control

Most Common

County court bailiffs visit the debtor and seize goods to sell at auction. Works for debts under £5,000.

Fee: £77Best for: Debtors with valuable possessions

High Court Enforcement

Most Effective

Transfer your CCJ to High Court and use HCEOs (High Court Enforcement Officers). More powers than county court bailiffs.

Fee: £71 transfer + HCEO feesBest for: Debts over £600

Attachment of Earnings

Court orders the employer to deduct money from wages and pay you. Steady payments over time.

Fee: £110Best for: Employed debtors (not self-employed)

Third Party Debt Order

Freezes and seizes money in the debtor's bank account. Very effective if you know their bank.

Fee: £110Best for: Debtors with bank funds

Charging Order

Secures the debt against property the debtor owns. You'll be paid when they sell. Long-term security.

Fee: £119Best for: Property-owning debtors

Don't Know Their Circumstances?

Order to Obtain Information

If you don't know what assets or income the debtor has, apply for an Order to Obtain Information (Form N316). The debtor must attend court and answer questions about their finances under oath.

  • Court fee: £55
  • Debtor must provide employment details
  • Debtor must reveal bank accounts
  • Debtor must list assets and property
☁️

Not sure which enforcement to use?

Use our free Ask Heaven Q&A tool for guidance on choosing enforcement methods.

Need to start a money claim first?

Before you can enforce, you need a CCJ. Our Money Claim Pack includes everything you need to get your judgment.

Start your money claim - £29.99

Court fees from £35 extra (based on claim amount)

CCJ enforcement FAQs for landlords

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain-English help, the right documents, and checks that stop avoidable mistakes before they cost you months.

  • We flag problems before you generate anything, so you do not waste time on the wrong route.
  • Answer plain-English questions and we build the documents that fit your case.
  • Preview first, fix anything that changed, and regenerate without starting from scratch.
A CCJ is a court judgment that the defendant owes you money - it doesn't guarantee payment. Many debtors ignore CCJs. You need to take enforcement action to actually recover the money, which involves additional court processes and fees.
A Warrant of Control authorises county court bailiffs to visit the debtor's address and seize goods to sell. It's the most common enforcement method for debts under £5,000. The fee is currently £77 for claims up to £5,000.
For debts over £600, you can transfer the judgment to High Court and use High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs). HCEOs are often more effective as they work on commission and can seize more types of goods. For debts under £600, you must use county court bailiffs.
An Attachment of Earnings Order instructs the debtor's employer to deduct money from their wages and pay you directly. It only works if the debtor is employed (not self-employed) and you know their employer. The court fee is £110.
A Charging Order secures your debt against the debtor's property (usually their home if they own one). When they sell, you get paid from the proceeds. It doesn't give you immediate cash but protects your judgment long-term.
If the debt is over £5,000, you can petition for the debtor's bankruptcy. This is a serious step with a £990 court fee plus deposit. It's mainly used as a threat or when the debtor has assets. Many debtors pay when faced with bankruptcy.
If the debtor has no income, savings, or assets, enforcement may not recover your money immediately. CCJs last 6 years and can be renewed. You can try enforcement again when their circumstances change.
You can apply for an "Order to Obtain Information" (previously called an oral examination). The debtor must attend court and answer questions about their finances under oath. The fee is £55.
A Third Party Debt Order freezes and seizes money in the debtor's bank account. You need to know which bank they use. It's very effective if you can identify an account with funds. The fee is £110.
CCJs remain on the Register of Judgments for 6 years and affect credit scores. You can enforce a CCJ for 6 years from the judgment date. After 6 years, you need court permission to enforce.
Ask Heaven
Get instant answers, guidance, and next steps with Ask Heaven.
Ask Heaven