Millions of Brits told to shut doors and windows between 6am and 9pm

The number of county court judgments (CCJs) has been soaring, with more than one million registered in England and Wales in 2024. As a result, the pressure is mounting on those struggling with debt as the average amount owed jumped to £2,124.37 – a worrying 11% increase.

Yet, even with the dread of enforcement action and bailiffs knocking at your door, you’re not necessarily out of options. Bailiffs have to stick to strict rules during their visits and aren’t allowed to take essential items for everyday life.

Personal finance guru Maxine McCreadie from UK Debt Expert comforts anyone facing this daunting situation.

Bailiffs must give at least seven days’ notice of their arrival to a debtor
(Image: Peter Dazeley via Getty Images)

She explained: “Understanding your rights can help to put your mind at ease, particularly if you haven’t dealt with bailiffs or enforcement agents before. If you have an unpaid debt, every letter, phone call or knock on the door can bring a wave of anxiety.

“Bailiff action is typically only considered after all other avenues of debt collection have been exhausted, but it’s still a huge cause of stress.” For anyone facing such a scenario, here are some key tips to follow as well as information on what powers bailiffs have when they’re at your property.

What powers do bailiffs have? Bailiffs, officially known as enforcement agents, are legally authorised to collect certain types of debt on behalf of creditors, reports Plymouth Live. Clients who call on their services, according to Maxine, are usually private companies, local authorities or landlords.

She elaborated: “Bailiffs have the power to visit your home to collect payment or seize goods in order to settle outstanding debt. They must follow strict rules and can only act under certain legal conditions, such as holding a valid warrant or court order.

“Depending on the type of debt and the court’s instructions, they may be allowed to enter your property and remove non-essential belongings. They must give at least seven days’ notice, you should receive a written notice called a ‘Notice of Enforcement’ before they visit.”

Can a bailiff enter my home without my permission? A bit of relief for those concerned about bailiffs entering their property as, according to Maxine, bailiffs cannot force entry into your home on their first visit for most kinds of debt. They are only allowed to come in if you let them in – meaning you’re under no legal obligation to open the door.

But there is a catch: bailiffs may legally enter through a door, window or gate if it’s left unlocked. Maxine continued: “Bailiffs are required to provide at least seven days’ written notice before their visit, known as an enforcement notice.

“They’re only permitted to attend between 6am and 9pm, unless a court order specifies otherwise.

Enforcement agents are usually sent out to collect overdue council tax or unpaid fines
(Image: Glegorly/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

“When they do turn up, they must use standard, non-aggressive methods to gain entry. They’re not allowed to push past you, stick their foot in the door, or force their way in by any other means.”

There are exceptions to this rule. If bailiffs are collecting unpaid criminal fines, or if they’ve previously gained peaceful entry and the debtor breached a Controlled Goods Agreement, bailiffs may return and, in some circumstances, force entry with a court warrant.

“Only someone aged 16 or over can legally let a bailiff in, and if the only person at home is under 12 or considered vulnerable, the bailiff must leave immediately,” Maxine added.

What can a bailiff take? Bailiffs can seize only non-essential items – meaning goods that are not necessary for your basic day-to-day living. This excludes things like white goods, beds, clothing and essential furniture.

Maxine said: “They are more likely to target high-value items such as vehicles, electronics, or jewellery. Bailiffs must also leave a list of what they intend to take and give you the opportunity to set up a controlled goods agreement, allowing you to keep your belongings while repaying the debt in instalments.

“If you’ve received a notice or had a visit, don’t ignore it – but don’t panic either. Free advice and support are available. Speak to a regulated debt adviser as soon as possible, who can help you deal with the debt and discuss the best option to deal with any enforcement action.”

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