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Controlled Goods Agreements explained

Signing a Controlled Goods Agreement lets you keep using items — but it changes what happens next.

Bailiffs & Enforcement3 min readReviewed July 2026

A Controlled Goods Agreement lists items the enforcement agent can return to remove if you break the payment plan. You keep possession in the meantime.

You don't have to let bailiffs in to sign one, and they can't force entry for most consumer debts on a first visit.

If items on the list belong to someone else, are exempt (basic household goods, tools of the trade up to a value), or are on hire purchase, raise this in writing straight away.

General information, not personalised adviceThis article is written to inform. It isn't personalised debt or legal advice, and Debt Compass is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. A team member can talk you through the options and point you to a free debt help service or authorised insolvency practitioner before you decide on anything.