We’re glad you got in touch – seeking trusted advice from an organisation like us is really important if you’re dealing with bailiff action. Acting quickly may prevent further visits, additional fees, and bailiffs taking control of your possessions to sell them and recover what you owe. We’ll explain what bailiffs can and can’t do, and how to get debt support.  

First, find out what debt the bailiffs are collecting as this affects what actions they can take, and means you can get accurate advice. You should be able to check this information on the letters you’ve received from the bailiff.

Second, addressing the situation is key – even if you can’t clear the whole debt straight away or make any repayments, you still have options. Depending on what’s affordable, you could ask to pay off most of the debt in one payment or negotiate a repayment plan – the Money Helper website has a free budget planner to help you work out a payment offer. Don’t feel pressured to pay more than you can afford, as you could end up worse off in the long run if you can’t keep up with repayments. If paying will leave you without money for essentials like food or energy, talk to us – we can help you to understand your options for dealing with debt. 

If bailiffs refuse a reasonable payment offer or try to intimidate you to pay more than is affordable, you could complain to the bailiffs and your creditor (the person you owe money to). For debts like Council Tax Arrears or court fines, you could also try negotiating with your creditor directly. National Debtline has template letters to help you with this, or you can contact us for more advice on these options. It’s important you keep trying to pay. 

Next, while the idea of bailiffs removing your belongings can be very worrying, there are rules around what they can take and how they access your home. For example, they shouldn’t clamp or remove your car if you prove you need it for your job or studies and it’s worth less than £1,350. They also shouldn’t take a vehicle if it has a valid Blue Badge that is properly displayed, is part of the Motability scheme, or if it’s your main home. If you bought your car on finance, such as by hire purchase, contact us for advice – the law around clamping vehicles in these cases can be complicated and depends on the type of payment contract you have. Normally the vehicle doesn’t belong to you until it’s fully paid off, which means bailiffs shouldn’t clamp or remove it. 

Bailiffs will often target your vehicle first, as normally it is easier to access. They can tow it away or clamp it – but only if it’s parked at your home or on a public road. To help prevent your car being clamped, park it in a locked garage or on a friend or family member’s driveway – just make sure you’re not registered at their address.  While bailiffs often have number plate recognition cameras to help them locate vehicles, they need a court order to take your vehicle if it’s parked on someone else’s private land. Visit our website for a full list of items bailiffs shouldn’t take.  

Finally, if bailiffs do take things they shouldn’t, threaten to do so, or break the rules around entering your home, you can make a complaint – and may be able to get your belongings back as long as you complain within 7 days. You can also complain if they act in an aggressive or intimidating manner, chase you for debt that is not in your name, don’t provide the right paperwork, or don’t follow the extra rules that apply if you’re in a vulnerable situation. This includes if a child lives with you, you’re pregnant or have mental health problems, which gives you additional rights like extra time to make a payment and making sure you can communicate easily.   

For more advice on dealing with debt and bailiffs, contact our debt advice team.