How to register a company charge: MR01 and the 21-day deadline

1. Check that MR01 is the right filing

MR01 registers a new charge created or evidenced by a written instrument. The instrument is the legal document creating the security, for example a mortgage deed. This guide concerns a limited company, not an LLP, which uses LL MR01.

A company acquiring property that is already subject to a charge uses a different route, MR02. Charges created before 6 April 2013 also use older forms. Ask the person handling the transaction to confirm the correct route rather than forcing a different case into MR01.

Source: Register particulars of a charge (MR01)

2. Establish the creation date before counting the deadline

Do not assume the charge creation date is simply the date you signed a document. Companies House's MR01 instructions distinguish execution, delivery and when an instrument takes effect. Scottish standard security has a separate rule based on recording or registration.

If the deed was held in escrow, held as undelivered, or the dates differ, get the creation date confirmed by the solicitor or other adviser handling the security. A wrong date can produce a wrong deadline and an incorrect application.

Source: How to complete paper form MR01

3. Count the 21-day registration window

The day the charge is created is excluded. Day 1 is the following day, and the complete filing must be delivered to Companies House within the next 21 days. It is a delivery deadline, so posting the documents on the last day is not enough.

Illustration: if the charge is created on 1 October 2026, day 1 is 2 October and day 21 is 22 October. Start before the final day so a missing document or rejected form can be dealt with while time remains.

Source: How to complete paper form MR01

4. Agree who will file and check for an existing registration

The company, lender or another person interested in the charge can register it. Before submitting, agree who is responsible and check the company's charges on the public register. A lender's solicitor may already be handling the registration.

For the company's own online filing, Companies House uses the company authentication code. Agents and lenders filing online for other companies have a separate lender-registration requirement. Follow the route appropriate to the presenter.

Source: Register a charge (mortgage) for a limited company

5. Gather the instrument and information for the application

Work from the completed security documents, not a draft or a summary of the loan. Gather the following before starting:

• The charging company's name and number, matching the register.
• The confirmed creation date.
• The names of the persons, security agents or trustees entitled to the charge.
• The signed instrument and its certified copy for delivery.
• The relevant property description and information about fixed security, floating charges and any negative pledge.

Source: How to complete paper form MR01

6. Review the certified copy before it becomes public

The certified copy of the instrument is published on the company's register. Do not send the original. Arrange the certified copy with the person handling the document and check that it is complete and readable.

Companies House permits removal of an individual's personal information except their name, bank or securities account numbers or identifiers, and signatures including signature certificates. Do not assume you can hide other commercial provisions. If you are unsure what may be removed, check with your adviser before filing.

Source: Register a charge (mortgage) for a limited company

7. Deliver the form, certified copy and fee together

Online registration and suitable software are available for MR01; paper filing is also possible. For a paper application, Companies House requires the completed form, certified copy and fee together. An incomplete application is rejected rather than held open while missing items are supplied.

The government fee is £14 online or through software, or £24 on paper. With SimpleFilings, the standard online MR01 total is £18.99: the £14 government fee is included in this pricing, alongside our £4.99 service fee. Check the filing details and total before approval.

Source: Companies House fees

8. Keep evidence of registration

Keep the submission acknowledgement and registration confirmation with the company's documents. Check the charges section of the public register to confirm that the relevant charge appears and that its particulars match the filing.

If you receive a rejection, deal with the stated issue promptly and check how much of the original window remains. An attempted submission is not a substitute for a complete registration. Contact the adviser responsible for the security if the deadline is close or has passed.

Source: How to complete paper form MR01

What if the MR01 deadline has already passed?

Only a court can extend the registration period. Companies House says that a late charge requires a court order to register. Speak to a solicitor about the appropriate application and the security's position; do not enter a different date or assume an agent can bypass the deadline.

SimpleFilings' routine MR01 service does not include a court application, drafting the security or legal advice about its enforceability. If the deadline has passed, obtain advice before starting a normal filing request.

Source: Register a charge (mortgage) for a limited company

After repayment or release: MR04 and MR05

MR01 is for registration, not for updating a charge after repayment. Use MR04 to report that the secured debt has been paid in full or in part. Use MR05 to report property released from the charge or property that no longer belongs to the company.

Companies House says notifying satisfaction is not compulsory, but leaving a paid charge shown as outstanding can have a negative effect on the company. These filings update the public record; obtain the lender's confirmation about the underlying debt and security separately.

You can record satisfaction of a charge or record property released from a charge through the relevant service.

Source: Register a charge (mortgage) for a limited company

Help with a standard MR01 filing

If the security documents are complete and the filing is within time, our MR01 service helps turn the document details into the registration application for your approval. The £4.99 service fee and £14 government fee are included in the £18.99 online total. Have the certified copy ready and leave time for checks.