Fresh Start Debt Support
Have you been contacted or visited by a bailiff? You're not alone. Every year, thousands of people across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland receive visits from bailiffs — often without fully understanding their rights. That’s where we come in.
At Fresh Start Debt Support, we help individuals and families understand their rights when dealing with bailiffs and how to stop enforcement action through legal and affordable debt solutions such as an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), Debt Management Plan (DMP), or Debt Relief Order (DRO).
Bailiffs (also called enforcement agents) have limited powers — and in many cases, they rely on fear and intimidation to collect unpaid debts. But the truth is: you have legal protections. This page breaks down:
Sarah from Stoke-on-Trent was behind on her council tax and received a letter from a bailiff company threatening removal of goods. She was terrified. But after reaching out to us, we helped her freeze enforcement by entering into an IVA. She now pays one affordable monthly payment — and has peace of mind knowing bailiffs can't visit her again.
Our mission is to help people like Sarah — and you — take back control. If you’re facing bailiff pressure, don’t wait until they’re at your door. The sooner you act, the more options you’ll have.
Check If I Can Stop BailiffsIf you’ve received a letter from a bailiff (also called an enforcement agent), it’s critical to know your rights before opening the door. Many people assume they must comply with whatever the bailiff says — but under UK law, bailiffs must follow strict rules.
These rights are protected under the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 and the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013. If a bailiff ignores these, their actions may be unlawful — and you can complain or challenge the enforcement.
Here are your key rights when dealing with bailiffs in the UK:
Important: If a bailiff enters unlawfully or behaves aggressively, you can submit a complaint to their firm, the Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA), or escalate to the Local Government Ombudsman.
Mark in Leeds was visited by a bailiff over an old parking fine. The bailiff claimed they had the right to force entry. Mark called us first — we explained his rights, and after we helped him enter into a Debt Management Plan, enforcement was withdrawn.
Always remember: bailiffs rely on people not knowing the law. But with the right help, you can take control.
See My Bailiff Rights NowUnderstanding when bailiffs are legally allowed to enter your property is one of the most important ways to protect your home. In most cases, bailiffs cannot force entry, and they rely on you voluntarily opening the door. Here's what you need to know:
Bailiffs cannot break into your home for civil debts like:
They can only enter through peaceful means, which means you or another adult must open the door and let them in. If all doors are locked and no one lets them in, they must leave and try again another day.
Forced entry is only allowed for a small number of debts, and even then, it requires a special court warrant. Examples include:
Even in these situations, they must give reasonable notice and may only use force as a last resort — typically by using a locksmith. They cannot break windows, climb walls, or push past you physically.
Even if the bailiff is collecting a valid debt, they are not allowed to enter if:
James in Manchester had a bailiff visit him for unpaid parking tickets. The agent attempted to force his way in without a warrant. James refused entry and contacted us. We helped him file a complaint and stop enforcement using an IVA to freeze all further bailiff contact.
Knowing your rights makes all the difference — and can stop illegal entry before it starts.
Protect My Home NowIf a bailiff is granted entry to your home, they may try to list or remove certain items to cover the value of your debt. However, the law is clear — not everything in your home can be taken.
Bailiffs can only take non-essential luxury items that belong to you (the debtor). These include:
The following items are protected under UK law and cannot be removed by bailiffs:
It's important to note that bailiffs cannot take anything on finance or hire purchase. If your car is under a finance agreement, for example, they have no right to seize it.
If a bailiff wrongly seizes a protected item, you can make a formal complaint and demand its return. We can guide you through this process and help stop future enforcement with a DRO, IVA, or DMP.
Sonia in Liverpool had her car clamped by bailiffs despite it being on a personal contract plan. We helped her prove the vehicle was on finance, and the bailiffs were forced to release it. We then helped her enter a Debt Management Plan to stop further visits.
You don’t have to face this alone — and you don’t have to give up your essentials to deal with debt.
Check What Bailiffs Can’t TakeBailiffs must follow strict guidelines when visiting households where vulnerable people live. The law provides added protection to ensure enforcement doesn't cause harm or undue distress. If you or someone in your household falls under a protected category, you may be able to stop enforcement immediately.
The following people are considered vulnerable under UK enforcement rules:
If a bailiff attempts to enter a home where only children or vulnerable adults are present, they must leave immediately. They cannot pressure anyone into opening the door or seizing goods under these circumstances.
If your household is protected, notify the bailiff’s enforcement company in writing. Include proof of vulnerability (such as disability documentation, a doctor’s note, or benefit statements). We can help you do this as part of a Debt Relief Order or another solution.
Claire, a single mother in Nottingham, was visited by bailiffs for an old energy bill. At the time, she was home with her 5-year-old daughter. The bailiff knocked repeatedly and left a letter threatening entry. She contacted us immediately. We guided her through making a vulnerability declaration and arranged a Debt Management Plan. The bailiffs stopped all further contact.
Don't wait until it's too late — vulnerable households have strong legal protections. We’ll help you use them.
Tell Us If You’re VulnerableIf you've received a bailiff letter, visit, or warning notice, you're likely feeling overwhelmed. But here’s the good news: in most cases, bailiff action can be stopped legally by entering a formal debt solution.
Once you're on an approved plan such as an IVA, DRO, or DMP, most bailiff enforcement is automatically frozen. This gives you the breathing space you need to get back on track.
An IVA is a formal, government-backed debt solution where you make one monthly payment based on what you can afford. Once approved, all legal action — including bailiffs — must stop immediately. After 5 or 6 years, any remaining debt is written off.
If you're on a low income with few assets, a DRO can provide legal protection from creditors and bailiffs. After 12 months, your debts are written off entirely, with no need to make further payments.
A DMP is an informal agreement with your creditors to repay your debts at a reduced rate. While not legally binding, many creditors will pause bailiff action once a plan is in place. This is a good option if enforcement hasn't yet escalated.
Still not sure what’s best for your situation? Visit our comparison page to explore all the options available or speak to us for free, confidential guidance.
Dean in Leicester had multiple bailiff visits after falling behind on council tax and utility debts. After contacting us, he qualified for a Debt Relief Order — and bailiff enforcement stopped instantly. He’s now rebuilding his finances with confidence.
Freeze Bailiff Action NowNo, not for most debts. Bailiffs cannot force entry for council tax, credit cards, parking fines, or utility bills. They can only come in through a door you open. The exception is criminal fines or HMRC debts, where they may apply for forced entry via court order.
Yes. Even after a visit, you can stop bailiffs with a legal debt solution like an IVA or DRO. These provide legal protection that halts enforcement immediately once in place.
If the debt isn’t yours, or you’ve already paid it, you have the right to challenge it. Ask for proof, and don’t let them in. We can help you raise a formal dispute and stop action.
Some do — like County Court bailiffs or High Court Enforcement Officers — but many are private agents working for councils or companies. Either way, they must follow the law, and you can ask for ID and paperwork before speaking to them.
Yes. We provide free debt help with no upfront cost. We’ll explain your rights and help you take action — confidentially and without pressure.
Speak to a Support SpecialistWe’ve helped people all over the UK — from Glasgow to London — legally stop bailiffs, reduce stress, and take back control of their finances. Our small team offers confidential, personal support — not pressure or judgment.
Whether you’re dealing with council tax arrears, gas or electric bills, or parking fines, we’ll help you explore every option to stop enforcement and rebuild your financial future.
Our clients consistently tell us how relieved they feel after getting help. While we don’t post fake reviews, you can read verified feedback from real clients across the UK.
See our client testimonials here.
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