A writ of distress is a court route to recover qualifying rent arrears from the sale of movable property. If you are a landlord, start by checking what rent is due and whether the tenancy and the goods at the premises support an application. If you receive a seizure notice as a tenant, get advice promptly and keep the notice, inventory and payment records together.
Which arrears can the application cover?
Section 4 of the Distress Act 1934 requires a landlord to distrain in the manner provided by the Act. Under section 5, the landlord or an agent authorised in writing may apply without notice to a judge or registrar for a writ covering rent due or payable for up to 12 completed months of the tenancy immediately before the application. The court decides whether to issue the writ.
Put the tenancy agreement, payment dates, receipts and any agreed variations in order. Record each missed or partial payment. Keep repair charges and any deposit dispute on separate lines so that the amount claimed as rent can be checked. Where the tenancy has ended, section 5(3) allows distress for arrears if the tenant still occupies the premises or goods of the tenant remain there.
Who can seize goods?
Under section 7, the writ directs the sheriff to seize movable property at the specified premises, subject to the Act. The landlord should use the court process and leave execution to the sheriff. Section 8 exempts certain items, including necessary clothing and bedding for the tenant and family. Some categories have specific conditions, including the exemption for tools and implements.
If goods belong to someone else, gather invoices, rental records or other proof of ownership. Sections 10 and 12 to 13 set conditions and exclusions for certain third-party claims. Section 16 allows the tenant to apply to discharge or suspend execution or to release seized property. Read any notice immediately and obtain advice on the applicable route.
Decide whether you need rent, possession or both
A writ of distress addresses rent. If you also need the premises back, ask about the separate steps for possession under the tenancy and applicable court procedure. A landlord deciding between remedies should bring the tenancy, rent ledger, notices and details of current occupation. A tenant should bring proof of payment, any disputed calculation and any notice received. Buying a tenanted condo and checking rent and deposits.
Distress Act provisions checked on 7 November 2026.
Archive photograph for context. Robertson Quay, Singapore – 20110731 (photographed 2011). Photo: Bryanmackinnon.. Source (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Robertson_Quay,_Singapore_-_20110731.jpg) · CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0). Resized and displayed cropped.
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