Stop Bailiffs (England & Wales) — Your Rights, Fees & Fast Ways to Pause Enforcement

Quick answer: Bailiffs (also called enforcement agents) must give a Notice of Enforcement with at least 7 clear days’ notice before visiting. You can keep doors locked, ask for ID through a closed door, and protect exempt goods like beds, fridge and your basic household items. If you need breathing room, a debt adviser can help you enter the Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) which pauses most enforcement for 60 days. We’ll show you what to say, what to do, and how to stop things escalating.

Bailiffs vs Debt Collectors — Know the Difference

Bailiffs (enforcement agents) act under a warrant/writ/liability order. Debt collectors do not have bailiff powers and cannot seize goods. Always ask who they are and for ID through a closed door. If it’s a debt collector, you can insist on everything in writing and speak later.

7-Day Notice & Stages of Enforcement

Before a visit, you should receive a Notice of Enforcement giving at least 7 clear days’ notice (exceptions apply). Bailiff action usually follows three stages:

1. Compliance — Letter notice and set-up. (A compliance fee is added.)
2. Enforcement — A visit to take control (list) of goods or agree payment.
3. Sale — Goods may be removed and sold if you don’t keep to an agreement.

Breathing Space can pause most enforcement so you can set an affordable plan.

Entry Rules — When You Must Let Them In (and When You Don’t)

• For most consumer debts, bailiffs cannot force entry on a first visit.
• They usually may enter only through a door you open or if invited in.
• They must not enter if the only person home is a child or vulnerable person.
• Visits are usually between 6am–9pm (or business trading hours).

What Bailiffs Can’t Take (Exempt Goods)

• Basic household items you and your family need — e.g., beds, bedding, cooker, fridge, washing machine
• Tools of the trade you personally use for work (within the rules)
• Items that aren’t yours (get proof if possible)
• Pets, service animals, children’s belongings, and essential medical equipment

They can list non-essential, non-exempt items and may return to remove them if you break an agreement.

Bailiff Fees — Simple Breakdown

Fees are added in stages and can mount quickly:

• Compliance fee (when the notice is sent)
• Enforcement fee (for a visit)
• Sale fee (if goods are removed/sold)

Early help can prevent extra fees — often saving hundreds of pounds.

Controlled Goods Agreements (CGA) — Don’t Sign What You Can’t Afford

A Controlled Goods Agreement is a list of your belongings the bailiff puts “under control” while you repay. If you sign a CGA and then miss payments, the bailiff can return and may remove those goods. If you cannot afford the payment, don’t sign. Offer a realistic plan in writing instead.

Breathing Space — Pause Most Enforcement for 60 Days

The Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) can pause most interest, charges and enforcement for 60 days while you work with a debt adviser. There’s also a mental health crisis route with longer protection while treatment continues.

Council Tax Bailiffs — What to Do First

1. Check the liability order details carefully.
2. Protect entry — keep doors locked and ask for ID through the door.
3. Send a written affordable offer and ask to hold action while you seek free advice.
4. Check if you qualify for discounts or reduction (single person, low income, student household, etc.).

If you can’t pay right now, ask about Breathing Space to pause enforcement while you build a plan.

Parking / PCN Bailiffs — Key Points

• Confirm the order for recovery and timelines.
• If you didn’t get earlier letters, ask about relevant forms to challenge (if eligible).
• Protect entry and request everything in writing. Offer an affordable plan in writing.

Magistrates’ Court Fines — Extra Care Needed

Some court fines carry stricter enforcement powers. Protect entry, ask for written proof and contact a free adviser immediately. If you had good reasons for missing a hearing or payment, you may be able to ask the court to reconsider.

Cars on Finance, Blue Badges & Vehicles on the Drive

• If your car is on HP, PCP or lease, the finance company may be the legal owner — the bailiff usually can’t take it.
• Vehicles used by a Blue Badge holder or essential for work may have extra protections.
• Move cars off the drive or into a locked garage; avoid leaving keys by doors/windows.

Vulnerability — Extra Protections & Reasonable Adjustments

If you’re dealing with illness, disability, bereavement, pregnancy, mental health crisis or other vulnerabilities, you can request extra care (e.g., pausing action while a support worker or adviser is involved). Explain your situation in writing and ask for reasonable adjustments.

Scotland & Northern Ireland — Different Rules

In Scotland, enforcement is by Sheriff Officers with different procedures. In Northern Ireland, the Enforcement of Judgments Office (EJO) handles enforcement. Always check local guidance and speak to a free adviser.

Doorstep Scripts, Letters & Quick Messages

At the door (through a closed door):

Text/email to the firm (same day):

Affordable offer (after budget check):

Complaints & Misconduct — How to Report Problems

1. Complain to the enforcement firm in writing.
2. Escalate to their trade association/regulator where applicable.
3. If a criminal offence or harassment is suspected, consider reporting to the police and seek legal advice.

Keep copies of every letter, notice, and message. Note dates/times of visits and take photos where safe.

Stop Bailiffs — Frequently Asked Questions

Do bailiffs have to give notice?

Yes — a Notice of Enforcement with at least 7 clear days (exceptions apply).

Can bailiffs enter if I’m not home?

They shouldn’t enter unless a door is open/unlocked or powers allow it. Keep doors and accessible entries locked.

Can the police help bailiffs?

Police may attend to prevent a breach of the peace, but they shouldn’t act as agents to force entry for most consumer debts.

What if I already signed a Controlled Goods Agreement?

Don’t panic. Seek advice immediately. You may still be able to vary the agreement to an affordable level.

Will Breathing Space stop bailiffs?

Yes, most enforcement pauses during Breathing Space while you work with a debt adviser.

Trusted Guidance & Resources

Use these independent resources alongside our free support:

• 🏛️ GOV.UK — Taking Control of Goods (National Standards)
• 🧭 MoneyHelper — Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space)
• 🤝 Citizens Advice — Bailiffs: your rights
• 📞 National Debtline — Bailiff action, fees & your options

We’ll help you apply this guidance to your exact situation and speak to enforcement firms for you where appropriate.

We’ll Help You Stop Bailiffs Safely — Today

Get an immediate plan: protect entry, secure essential goods, request a 60-day pause with Breathing Space, and set a defendable, affordable offer in writing. No pressure, no judgment.