There's a bailiff at the door

Checked against current GOV.UK guidance and the relevant legislation. Figures verified 2026-08-14. Primary source · every figure we use.

What to do now

1. Do not open the door. Keep it locked, and lock any side or back doors — an unlocked door is lawful entry.
2. Ask them to post their identification and authorisation through the letterbox. They must be able to prove who they are and what they are collecting.
3. They must have given you at least 14 clear days' notice before visiting — this rose from 7 days on 1 May 2026. If a free debt adviser asks on your behalf, that becomes 28 days for a non-business debt. If you never received a Notice of Enforcement, say so and get advice.
4. They cannot visit between 9pm and 6am.
5. They cannot enter if only children under 16 or vulnerable people are present.
6. They cannot take goods that are essential — basic domestic items, tools of your trade up to £1,350 in value, or goods belonging to someone else.
7. If a vehicle on the drive is on finance or belongs to someone else, say so immediately and gather proof.
8. Offer to pay what you can afford directly to the creditor, and confirm any arrangement in writing.

What else you need to know

Fees are added at each stage, so acting early saves real money. Since 1 May 2026 the compliance fee is £79 and the enforcement fee is £247, with a further 7.5% of any balance above £1,900 — up from £75, £235 and £1,500 before that date. More is added again if goods are removed for sale. Paying or agreeing something at the compliance stage, before anyone visits, is the cheapest moment there will ever be.

They generally cannot force entry to your home. An agent may come in through an unlocked door or an attached garage, but may not push past you or put a foot in the door. The exceptions are magistrates' court fines where a court has authorised it, HMRC for unpaid tax, and entry to trade premises rather than homes. Enforcement can only happen between 6am and 9pm.

Who is in the house matters. Anyone aged 16 or over can let them in, so tell everyone in the household not to open the door. If the only person there is a child under 12 the agent must leave without even making enquiries, and no goods can be taken if the only person present is a child or a vulnerable person.

If you are vulnerable — through disability, serious illness, mental health, age, recent bereavement or having young children — tell them in writing. Enforcement fees cannot be recovered from a vulnerable person who has not had a proper opportunity to get advice first, and the case should be referred back to the creditor.

Where to get help today, free

If you are in crisis and struggling to cope, Samaritans can be reached free on 116 123, at any hour, from any phone.

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