Bailiffs are authorised agents instructed to collect unpaid debts on behalf of creditors. They may become involved when you haven’t paid a debt, and your creditor has obtained the legal authority to enforce it. Depending on the type of debt and how many times they have visited, bailiffs may be able to visit your home, ask you to make a payment, or take control of your belongings to recover the money you owe.
Before a bailiff visits, you should receive a notice of enforcement explaining the debt in detail, who you owe money to, and when enforcement action may begin. If a bailiff visits, you usually don’t have to let them into your home. However, bailiffs may have different powers depending on the type of debt they are collecting, and there are certain rules they must follow during the enforcement process.
If you’re struggling to pay a debt that’s being chased by bailiffs, you should seek advice as soon as possible. You may be able to agree to an affordable repayment plan or explore a debt solution that could help you manage your debts. Ignoring enforcement action can make the situation more difficult for you and may result in further legal action and fees.
Topic hub
County Court Judgments (CCJs)
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order issued in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland when a creditor takes legal action to recover money they believe you owe. If you receive a claim form and do not respond, or a court decides you owe the debt, a CCJ can be registered against you.
Topic hub
Debt Collection
Debt collection is the process of recovering money owed to a creditor. If you’ve fallen behind on your payments, your creditor may pass or sell the debt to a debt collection agency if they’ve been unsuccessful at collecting payment themselves. Debt collectors can ask you to repay the debt, but there are certain rules they must follow during the debt collection process.
Worried about bailiffs?
Our advisors will explain the pros and cons of each option, including any risks, costs, and impact on your credit file, so you can choose the solution that’s right for you.
