Sheriff (Receiver of Fines) Search – Identify Court-Appointed Receiverships on Property

A Sheriff (Receiver of Fines) Search identifies whether a Receiver of Fines has been appointed under the Fines (Payment and Recovery) Act 2014 to recover unpaid fines against an individual or company. This search is essential for solicitors, conveyancers, and lenders to ensure that a property, right, or interest is not under receivership before sale or mortgage completion.

What This Search Covers

Ellis & Ellis conduct Sheriff (Receiver of Fines) Searches across Ireland, obtaining official certificates from the Receiver of Fines Sheriff to determine whether:

• A Receiver of Fines has been appointed under Section 8(1)(a) of the Fines (Payment and Recovery) Act 2014
• Any recovery orders or executable fines over €500 have been lodged
• Property (land and personal assets) has been seized or remains subject to enforcement
• The named individual or company is recorded in the relevant register

Each certified result clearly states whether a receiver has been appointed and whether any executable orders remain outstanding.

Why It Matters

The creation of the Receiver of Fines role in 2016 extended enforcement powers to include real property, meaning that freehold and leasehold assets can now be seized to recover unpaid fines.

For solicitors and conveyancers, this search is critical because it:

• Confirms whether a property is under active receivership
• Prevents transactions involving assets that cannot legally be sold or mortgaged
• Ensures compliance with Law Society of Ireland guidance, which recommends conducting this search before closing any property sale or mortgage
• Protects buyers and lenders from future enforcement or title complications

Learn more about Sheriff (Receiver of Fines) Searches with our expert explainer.

Does Your Client Need a Sheriff Receiver of Fines Search?

Use this search if your client is:

• Buying or selling any freehold or leasehold property
• Acting as a lender or mortgage provider
• Conducting conveyancing for a property subject to court enforcement or fines
• Carrying out due diligence to confirm seller authority and ownership rights
• Involved in property transactions where unpaid fines or enforcement may arise

Turnaround & Delivery

• Conducted manually by Ellis & Ellis law search experts
• Ordered securely via the Ellis & Ellis online platform
• Typically completed within 24–48 hours
• Delivered as a certified PDF report confirming if a Receiver of Fines has been appointed

Request This Search

Order now via the Ellis & Ellis client portal, or contact our team for assistance with property enforcement and receivership searches.

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Sheriff (Receiver of Fines) Search FAQs

What is a Receiver of Fines?

A court-appointed officer empowered under the Fines (Payment and Recovery) Act 2014 to recover unpaid fines, including through the seizure and sale of property.

Why perform a Sheriff (Receiver of Fines) Search?

To ensure a property is not subject to a receiver’s control, which would prevent its sale or mortgage.

Does this apply to residential and commercial property?

Yes. Law Society guidelines recommend searches be carried out against all property types before closing.

Are searches name- or address-based?

Both. Searches are performed against the names of sellers (and, where applicable, purchasers) along with the property address.

What information will the certificate show?

Whether a Receiver has been appointed, details of any executable orders, and whether goods or property have been seized.

Can a Receiver of Fines sell property?

Yes. The Receiver has authority to seize and sell real property to recover fines over €500.

Why choose Ellis & Ellis?

Trusted expertise, certified accuracy, fast turnaround, and €10 million Professional Indemnity Cover.