Bailiff Advice Online | Fresh Start UK

What are bailiffs?

Bailiffs (also known as enforcement agents) have the legal power to remove goods and sell them to settle any unsecured debts you have. They do not need to go into your home to take control of goods.

Key facts about bailiffs

Bailiffs are not permitted to use force or enter your home without your permission

Bailiffs can visit your home between 06:00 and 21:00, any day of the week

Bailiffs can visit any property where you live or run a business

Bailiffs collect unsecured debt, as well as criminal fines, council tax and child maintenance arrears, and parking penalties

What can bailiffs do?

Seize personal belongings to settle unpaid debts
Visit your home to serve court documents/notices/summons
Seize goods for council tax arrears, child support arrears, national insurance, VAT & tax debts and county or high court debts.
Force entry in certain circumstances and as a last resort
Accept payments on the doorstep to settle the debt

What can’t bailiffs do?

Enter the property by force
Enter the property outside the hours of 06:00 and 21:00
Enter the property through anything other than the door
Enter the property if the only people present are vulnerable or under the age of 16
Take essential items like clothes, cooker/fridge, tools etc
Take items belonging to someone else

What can a bailiff seize?

Only those goods that they have access to and can remove
Motor vehicles
Electrical goods
Jewellery
Furniture

What can’t a bailiff seize?

Anything that belongs to other people, including to your children
Pets and guide dogs
Vehicles, tools and computer equipment needed for your job or study up to a total value of £1,350
A Motability vehicle or a vehicle displaying a valid Blue Badge

What Bailiffs...

Seize personal belongings to settle unpaid debts
Visit your home to serve court documents/notices/summons
Seize goods for council tax arrears, child support arrears, national insurance, VAT & tax debts and county or high court debts.
Force entry in certain circumstances and as a last resort
Accept payments on the doorstep to settle the debt

Enter the property by force
Enter the property outside the hours of 06:00 and 21:00
Enter the property through anything other than the door
Enter the property if the only people present are vulnerable or under the age of 16
Take essential items like clothes, cooker/fridge, tools etc
Take items belonging to someone else

What Bailiffs...

Only those goods that they have access to and can remove
Motor vehicles
Electrical goods
Jewellery
Furniture

Anything that belongs to other people, including to your children
Pets and guide dogs
Vehicles, tools and computer equipment needed for your job or study up to a total value of £1,350
A Motability vehicle or a vehicle displaying a valid Blue Badge

How can I manage bailiff debt?

Bailiffs - or enforcement agents - are debt professionals that have been given legal powers to collect debt, either for a private company or for the county court or local council. They have the power to collect a range of debts, including council tax arrears, county court judgements, court fines and so on.

In most cases, bailiffs are not called in until your creditors have launched court proceedings. A debt management plan can help people who owe a significant amount in debt that they’re unable to pay immediately. These plans allow you to repay debts over a certain timeframe, making regular monthly payments.

Final points to consider

It’s never pleasant dealing with the threat of enforcement action, particularly if you want to take control of your finances but don’t know how.

As a leading Debt Management Company, Fresh Start UK is perfectly placed to help. We have years of experience in dealing with creditors and helping to keep enforcement agents at bay. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with our experienced and professional team today who can discuss your circumstances and manage bailiff debts.