Debt collection
Published 20 January 2023
Help with bailiffs: what enforcement agents can and can't do
These days, bailiffs are officially referred to as enforcement agents. But they’re still commonly known as bailiffs. Their job is to remove and sell your goods to pay off a debt. They do this on behalf of lenders in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland has sheriff officers instead. They work a little differently.
If you have bailiffs at your door, it helps to know your rights and understand what a bailiff can and can’t do.
What is a bailiff?
Bailiffs have legal powers to collect debts. They can usually only be sent to your property following court action. This court action could have been taken by:
- a lender trying to recover debts/fines or repossess goods if you’re behind with your payments
- a landlord trying to evict you
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Bailiffs have legal powers to collect debts. They can usually only be sent to your property following court action. This court action could have been taken by:
- a lender trying to recover debts/fines or repossess goods if you’re behind with your payments
- a landlord trying to evict you
Are there different types of bailiffs?
There are four kinds of bailiff or enforcement officer:
- Private enforcement officers often collect for the local authority (the council) and HMRC. They usually deal with council tax arrears, parking fines and other tax debts. But it's possible for any lender to use a private enforcement officer.
- County court enforcement officers are the ones most commonly referred to as bailiffs. They are used when a lender has a county court judgment (CCJ) against you.
- High court enforcement officers are used if a lender has transferred a CCJ to the high court. They can do this if the CCJ is for more than £600 (including court costs). But they can’t do this for debts that fall under the Consumer Credit Act, such as credit cards, store cards and personal loans. These are always dealt with by the county court.
- Magistrates’ county court or magistrates’ court enforcement officers mostly deal with fines forcriminal offences.
Can bailiffs enter your home?
Most bailiffs are only allowed to enter your home:
- through a door
- without aggression
- with your permission
For most kinds of debt, bailiffs aren’t allowed to enter your home if:
- no-one is in; or
- the only people there are under 16 or vulnerable e.g. due to a disability
Bailiffs aren’t allowed to visit you between 9pm and 6am. They can’t break in or push past you. If an enforcement officer threatens you physically, call 999.
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Most bailiffs are only allowed to enter your home:
- through a door
- without aggression
- with your permission
For most kinds of debt, bailiffs aren’t allowed to enter your home if:
- no-one is in; or
- the only people there are under 16 or vulnerable e.g. due to a disability
Bailiffs aren’t allowed to visit you between 9pm and 6am. They can’t break in or push past you. If an enforcement officer threatens you physically, call 999.
Written by: Rebecca Routledge,
Senior Content Manager
A qualified journalist for over 15 years with a background in financial services. Rebecca is Money Wellness’s consumer champion, helping you improve your financial wellbeing by providing information on everything from income maximisation to budgeting and saving tips.
Head of Communications
Last updated: 18 January, 2025
Bailiffs' Role: Bailiffs collect debts after court action, acting on behalf of lenders, landlords, or authorities for unpaid debts, fines, or repossessions.
Types of Bailiffs: Four types: private enforcement officers, county court officers , high court officers, and magistrates' officers.
Home Entry: Bailiffs can only enter with permission, during the day, and not if vulnerable people are present.
Payment Plans: Bailiffs can refuse payment offers, but you should still make payments and contact the lender directly.
Written by: Rebecca Routledge,
Senior Content Manager
Last updated: 16 January, 2025