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Company Charges UK: MR01-MR10 Forms Explained

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Part ofCompanies House Forms UK

Written by Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)
Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice.
Updated June 2026 · England & Wales
When a company borrows money or takes on other forms of secured debt, the lender often wants something more than a promise to repay. A charge gives the lender a legal interest over company property or assets, which can be enforced if the company defaults. Since 6 April 2013, the way these charges are registered at Companies House changed significantly, with a single set of MR forms replacing the older, more fragmented system. If you are a company director, company secretary, or simply trying to make sense of a lender's paperwork, knowing which form applies and how the registration process works is essential. This page walks through the main MR forms, the 21-day registration window, and what each form is actually for.

Overview

A charge is a form of security a company grants to a creditor, typically a bank or other lender, over property or other assets it owns. If the company fails to meet its obligations, the creditor can rely on the charge to recover what it is owed.

Charges come in two broad types: fixed charges, which attach to specific identifiable assets, and floating charges, which hover over a class of assets such as stock or receivables that change over time. For charges created on or after 6 April 2013, Part 25 of the Companies Act 2006 (as amended) sets out a unified registration regime.

Registration happens at Companies House, usually within 21 days of the charge being created. If the deadline is missed, the charge becomes void against a liquidator, administrator, or other creditor of the company, which means the lender loses its priority and effectively ranks as unsecured. The MR series of forms covers the different scenarios in which registration is needed.

Key steps

  1. Identify the correct MR form. Different situations call for different forms. MR01 covers most standard new charges. MR02 is used when the company acquires property that is already subject to a charge. MR03 covers charges securing a series of debentures. Picking the wrong form can delay registration, so check carefully before filing.
  2. Gather the required information. You will need the company name and number, the date the charge was created, the names of the persons entitled to the charge, a description of what is being charged, and the amount secured where relevant. A certified copy of the charge instrument must be submitted alongside the form.
  3. File within the 21-day window. The form and supporting documents must reach Companies House within 21 days beginning with the day after the charge was created. Filing can be done by post or through the Companies House online service, which is generally faster and reduces the risk of rejection for minor errors.
  4. Pay the registration fee. A fee applies to each charge registered, and the amount differs depending on whether you file online or by post. Check gov.uk for the current fee, since these figures are updated from time to time. Payment is required at the point of submission.
  5. Receive confirmation and update company records. Once Companies House accepts the registration, it issues a certificate of registration, which is conclusive evidence that the filing requirements have been met. The company must also keep a copy of the charge instrument available for inspection at its registered office or SAIL address.

Common questions

If you're dealing with this kind of situation, a call with an experienced legal adviser can help you work out the right next step — from £89.

Common questions

Q What is the 21-day deadline for registering a charge?
A charge created by a company must be delivered to Companies House for registration within 21 days beginning with the day after it was created. If the deadline is missed, the charge is void against an administrator, liquidator, or other creditor, which usually leaves the lender unsecured. It is possible to apply to court for an extension, but this involves cost and uncertainty, so filing on time is strongly preferable.
Q Which MR form should I use for a standard bank loan secured on company property?
In most cases, MR01 is the correct form for registering particulars of a new charge created by the company. It is the general-purpose registration form and covers typical scenarios such as a bank taking a fixed or floating charge over company assets as security for a loan. If the charge was taken on property the company has just acquired, MR02 may apply instead.
Q What happens if a charge is not registered at Companies House?
If a registrable charge is not delivered within 21 days, it becomes void against a liquidator, administrator, and any creditor of the company. The underlying debt remains owed, but the lender loses the benefit of the security. In practical terms, this usually means the lender drops from being a secured creditor to an unsecured one, which can be catastrophic if the company later becomes insolvent.
Q Can I register a charge online?
Yes, Companies House offers an online filing service for most MR forms, which tends to be faster, cheaper, and less prone to rejection than paper filing. You will still need to upload a certified copy of the charge instrument. Some more specialised charges, or those involving unusual features, may still need to be filed on paper.
Q Who is responsible for registering the charge, the company or the lender?
Legally, either the company or any person interested in the charge, which typically includes the lender, can deliver the particulars to Companies House. In practice, lenders almost always take responsibility because they have the most to lose if registration is missed. The company should still keep its own records updated and confirm that registration has taken place.
Q Do I need to register a charge over land separately at HM Land Registry?
Yes, charges over registered land generally need to be registered at HM Land Registry as well as at Companies House. The two registrations serve different purposes: Land Registry protects priority against buyers and other chargees of the land, while Companies House registration protects the charge against the company's insolvency officers and other creditors. Both steps are usually necessary.
Q What is the difference between a fixed charge and a floating charge?
A fixed charge attaches to specific identifiable assets, such as a particular piece of land or a named machine, and the company cannot deal with those assets freely without the lender's consent. A floating charge hovers over a shifting pool of assets, such as stock or book debts, allowing the company to trade normally until the charge crystallises, usually on default or insolvency.
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, a call with an experienced legal adviser can help you work out the right next step — from £89.

Sources

This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.

Brad Askew, Solicitor (non-practising)

Written & reviewed by

Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)

Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice. LegalDocuments.co.uk is not a law firm and does not provide regulated legal advice.

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Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.