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What is a controlled goods agreement?

A controlled goods agreement lets you keep your belongings while you pay — but it is a legal agreement with consequences if you break it. Read it before you sign.

Applies to: England & Wales

Written by The My Debt Cleared editorial teamLast reviewed 18 October 2026Next review 18 April 2027Jurisdiction England & WalesEditorial policy
A controlled goods agreement (CGA) is a written agreement with an enforcement agent: they take legal control of listed goods, you keep using them, and you agree to pay the debt and fees by instalments. While it is in place you must not sell or give away the listed goods. If you break it, the agent can give you notice that they intend to re-enter, then use reasonable force (for example a locksmith) to come in and remove the listed goods, even for council tax or CCJ debts, and add further fees. Before you sign, check every item listed belongs to you and that the instalments are affordable.

What to do now

  1. Check the list: remove anything that belongs to someone else or is exempt.
  2. Only agree instalments you can keep — use the budget calculator.
  3. Keep your copy, and contact the agent straight away if a payment is going to be missed.

How it works

An agent who has gained peaceful entry, or who finds goods outside such as a car, can take control of them. Instead of removing them, they can leave them with you under a CGA. Signing usually means the enforcement stage fee has already been added — check it is correct.

If you miss a payment

Breaking the agreement allows the agent, after giving notice, to re-enter your home — using reasonable force if necessary — and remove the listed goods for sale, adding the sale stage fee. If you know you cannot keep to it, contact the agent before the payment is missed and propose a new amount, and get free advice.

Before you sign

  • Is every item yours? Other people’s belongings should not be listed.
  • Are essentials or work tools listed? They are exempt.
  • Can you really pay the instalments alongside your priority bills?
  • Do the fees match the legal scale?
You can get free, impartial debt advice

You never have to pay for debt advice. MoneyHelper (government-backed), StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential advice with no obligation.

Common questions

Do I have to sign a controlled goods agreement?

No. But if you refuse and the agent has taken control of goods, they may remove them. A CGA lets you keep them while you pay, so it can be the better option if the instalments are affordable.

Can I sell goods listed on a controlled goods agreement?

No. While the agreement is in force you must not sell, give away or dispose of the listed goods.

What if the bailiff listed things that are not mine?

Tell the agent in writing straight away and provide evidence of who owns them. The owner can also complain and claim the goods back.

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