Real Property Act 1886

Besides his remedy against the mortgagor or encumbrancer, every mortgagee or encumbrancee shall be entitled after the principal sum, interest, annuity, or rent-charge shall have been in arrear for twenty-one days, and after seven days shall have elapsed from the date of application for the payment thereof to the occupier or tenant, to enter upon the mortgaged or encumbered land, and distrain upon the goods and chattels of such occupier or tenant for such arrears to an amount not exceeding the rent then due from such occupier or tenant to the mortgagor or encumbrancer, and to dispose of the goods and chattels so distrained upon in like manner as landlords may do in ordinary distresses for rent, and out of the proceeds to retain the moneys distrained for, and all costs and expenses occasioned by such distress and sale; and any amount paid by the occupier or tenant to the mortgagee or encumbrancee, or realised by distress as aforesaid, shall be deemed pro tanto a satisfaction of the said rent.