County Enforcement: what a letter means and what to do
County Enforcement Limited is a Rochester-based enforcement firm, part of the ARM Group, that acts mainly for landlords, solicitors, managing agents and businesses. A letter from it usually relates to a High Court writ, commercial rent or an eviction, and each gives the firm different powers.
County Enforcement’s work is mostly for landlords and businesses, not councils. If you are an individual, a letter is most likely about a County Court Judgment that has been transferred to the High Court, or about an eviction. If you run a business from rented premises, it may be about commercial rent. This guide covers England and Wales.
Who are County Enforcement?
The firm is registered at Companies House as COUNTY ENFORCEMENT LIMITED, company number 08492808. It is an active private limited company, incorporated on 17 April 2013, with its registered office in Rochester, Kent. It is owned (75% or more) by Asset Recovery and Management Group Limited. The group trades as ARM Group, and County says it was established in 1985 as a privately owned, family-run business.
County Enforcement Limited has been accredited by the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB) since October 2023, and is a corporate member of CIVEA, the Civil Enforcement Association. Its website says its High Court work is carried out under the authority of an authorised High Court enforcement officer who is a member of the High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA). None of these bodies is a statutory regulator. In August 2026 the government announced plans to make ECB oversight compulsory for private bailiffs.
Why might County Enforcement be contacting you?
County lists commercial rent arrears recovery (CRAR), High Court enforcement, forfeiture of leases, removal of travellers, eviction of squatters, process serving, tracing and protester removal, working for landlords, solicitors, managing agents and private clients.
- High Court writ of control: a County Court Judgment over £600 has been transferred to the High Court. County says it offers creditors this transfer service. See what High Court enforcement officers can do.
- High Court writ of possession: a court has ordered possession of a property and the order has been transferred up for an eviction. If you rent your home, see rent arrears.
- CRAR and forfeiture: these affect business tenants. CRAR only applies to commercial premises. See business and self-employed debt.
- Court papers: if an agent hands you documents, they are serving them for someone else. Read them straight away, as deadlines run from service.
What can County Enforcement do, and what can it not do?
County’s agents follow the same law as every bailiff:
- You must get a notice of enforcement at least 14 clear days before an agent can take control of your goods, or at least 28 clear days if a debt adviser asks on your behalf.
- High Court fees are fixed by law: £79 at the compliance stage, then £200 plus 7.5% of the debt above £1,200 for a first visit, with further fees for a second visit and sale. Our guide to what bailiffs can and cannot do has the full table.
- They cannot force their way into your home to take goods for an ordinary court debt, and cannot take essentials, work tools together worth less than £1,350, or anyone else’s belongings. Different rules apply to business premises.
- A judgment on a regulated consumer credit agreement can only be enforced in the County Court.
What should you do now?
- Work out what you have: a notice of enforcement under a writ, a notice of eviction, a CRAR notice or court papers.
- Check the court, claim number, creditor and amount. If you never knew about the claim, see how to remove or set aside a CCJ.
- Contact County and the creditor before the notice period ends and offer what you can afford. Get any agreement in writing.
- If you cannot pay a High Court writ, you can ask the High Court to pause (stay) it. The HCEO guide explains how.
- Get free, impartial advice from MoneyHelper, StepChange, Citizens Advice or National Debtline. See where to get free debt advice, and debt solutions compared if you have other debts.
Not sure which option fits? Answer a few questions and we can point you in the right direction. It takes about 3 minutes, and it is free and confidential.
How do you complain about County Enforcement?
- Complain to County first. It publishes a complaints policy on its website.
- Complain to the creditor or landlord that instructed it.
- Because County is ECB accredited, you can complain to the ECB within 3 months of becoming aware of the problem, or within 1 month of the firm’s final response.
- For High Court work you can use the HCEOA’s complaint form, and for serious misconduct by a certificated agent you can complain to the court on form EAC2.
Is the letter genuine?
A genuine High Court notice names the court, the claim number and the High Court enforcement officer. Use the contact details on your court papers or the creditor’s official website, ask any agent for identification, and check certificated agents on the official register. Our guide to dealing with debt collectors covers your rights when there is no court order.
Common questions
Is County Enforcement a real bailiff company?
Yes. County Enforcement Limited is an active company registered in Rochester, Kent, accredited by the Enforcement Conduct Board and a member of the trade association CIVEA. Check any letter against your own court papers or the creditor's official contact details.
Can County Enforcement use CRAR against my home?
No. Commercial rent arrears recovery (CRAR) only applies to leases of commercial premises. It cannot be used where any part of the let premises is a home.
Can County Enforcement enforce a loan or credit card judgment in the High Court?
No. A judgment on a regulated consumer credit agreement can only be enforced in the County Court, whatever the amount. Ask the firm which court issued the writ and what the underlying debt was.
Related guides
- What can High Court enforcement officers do? Why a CCJ ends up with a High Court enforcement officer, what they can charge and how to stop them.
- Bailiffs: what they can and cannot do Notice periods, fees from 1 May 2026, entry rules, what bailiffs can take and what can stop them.
- Business and self-employed debt: your options Who is liable for business debts, which to deal with first, free help, and business debt in debt solutions.
- How to remove or set aside a CCJ The one-month rule, setting aside with form N244, judgments made without your knowledge, and removal firms.