Check who is contacting you
Check the name of the enforcement company, what debt they say you owe and the amount being requested. You can ask an enforcement agent to provide identification and details of the debt.
Bailiff & enforcement help
Bailiffs contacting you?Get help understanding your options.
If you've received a notice from a bailiff or enforcement agent, or they've already visited your home, we may be able to help you find a way forward.
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01
Understand the debt
We'll start by understanding what the enforcement action relates to and what stage it has reached.
02
Look at the bigger picture
Bailiff action can sometimes be part of a wider debt problem. Looking at your overall circumstances can help identify what options may be available.
03
Explain your options
Where appropriate, we can discuss insolvency solutions and explain what the next steps could look like.
Bailiff help
What should you do if a bailiff contacts you?
A bailiff, also known as an enforcement agent, may become involved when certain debts have reached the enforcement stage.
The rules can depend on the type of debt and the stage of enforcement. Ignoring notices can allow the situation to progress and may result in additional enforcement costs.
Don't ignore the notice
Acting before an enforcement visit can give you more opportunity to understand the debt, check the information and seek appropriate advice.
Consider your overall debts
If the enforcement debt is one of several debts you are struggling with, looking at your complete financial position may identify options that dealing with one creditor alone would not.
Received a Notice of Enforcement?
In England and Wales, enforcement agents must generally give at least 14 days' notice before their first visit. The rules changed in May 2026, so older information online may still refer to a shorter notice period.
If you have received a notice, check the dates and the debt it relates to and consider getting advice before the enforcement process progresses further.
Common questions
Bailiff questions, answered clearly.
Enforcement rules can vary according to the type of debt and your circumstances. These answers provide a general starting point.
Do I have to let a bailiff into my home?
Usually, no. In many circumstances you do not have to open your door or let an enforcement agent into your home. There are exceptions depending on the type of debt and the circumstances, so it is important to understand what enforcement action relates to.
Can a bailiff force entry into my home?
Usually an enforcement agent cannot force their way into your home. Different rules can apply to certain debts, including some criminal fines and tax debts, and the circumstances of a previous lawful entry can also matter.
What can bailiffs take?
Enforcement agents can take control of certain goods belonging to the person who owes the debt, but there are protections for essential household items and some tools or equipment needed for work. They cannot simply take anything they choose.
Can a bailiff take my car?
A vehicle can sometimes be taken into control if it belongs to the person who owes the debt. There are exceptions and protections in some circumstances, including for certain vehicles and goods that do not belong to the debtor.
What if I cannot afford to pay the bailiff?
Do not ignore the situation. Depending on the debt and your circumstances, it may be possible to discuss repayment or obtain debt advice about the underlying financial problem. If you have several debts, it can also be useful to look at your overall financial position rather than dealing with each debt in isolation.
What debts can result in bailiff action?
Enforcement agents can become involved with a number of debts, including Council Tax arrears, parking penalties, court fines, some tax debts and debts being enforced through the County Court or High Court. The powers and enforcement process can differ depending on the type of debt.
Need to talk?
You don't have to work out the next step alone.
Tell us what's happening and we can look at your circumstances and explain what options may be available.
Information on this page is general information and is not a substitute for advice based on your individual circumstances. Official information about enforcement agents is available from GOV.UK. You can also obtain free guidance from MoneyHelper.
You can read more about the debt and insolvency options we explain on our Debt Solutions page.