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How To Stop The Bailiffs Check your options

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Got a bailiff letter? What it means and what to do next

How to read a bailiff letter, tell a real enforcement notice from a debt collection letter, work out how long you have, and the steps to take straight away to stop fees and visits.

Written byClaire WhitmoreLead writer, debt and enforcement
Last updated
Next review due
April 2027
Applies to
England and Wales

Independent guidance, not a government service. This page is general information about the law in England and Wales, not financial or legal advice. Debt solutions have fees, risks and consequences. For free, impartial advice, contact MoneyHelper or a debt charity.

Got a bailiff letter? What it means and what to do next

The short answer

First, work out what kind of letter it is: a real bailiff (enforcement agent) letter, or a debt collector using scary language. If it’s a Notice of Enforcement, you usually have at least 14 clear days before a visit (for cases passed to bailiffs from 1 May 2026). Use that time to check the debt, make an affordable offer, contact the creditor and get advice. Don’t ignore it – that’s how a £79 fee becomes £300 or more.

Is it really from bailiffs?

Many letters look official but come from debt collectors, who have no power to take your belongings or enter your home. Check the letter for these signs.

A real bailiff letter usually… A debt collector letter usually…
Is called a Notice of Enforcement Uses words like “field agent”, “doorstep visit” or “pre-enforcement”
Mentions a liability order, warrant or writ Mentions a credit card, loan or catalogue debt with no court order
Names a creditor such as a council or court Is from a company that bought your debt
Shows a compliance fee (£79 for cases from 1 May 2026) Adds collection charges or interest under your credit agreement
Comes from a certificated enforcement company Comes from a debt collection agency

Read more: debt collectors vs bailiffs vs High Court Enforcement Officers and letters from Lowell, Cabot or Intrum.

The different bailiff letters

  • Notice of Enforcement: the first bailiff letter. The debt has been passed to an enforcement company. You have a notice period before any visit. See Notice of Enforcement explained.
  • Notice after entry or taking control of goods: an agent has visited and listed goods. Check the inventory.
  • Notice of intention to re-enter: often follows a broken controlled goods agreement. Act urgently.
  • Notice of sale: goods may be sold. Act immediately.

How long do you have?

For warrants and liability orders passed to bailiffs on or after 1 May 2026, the minimum notice is 14 clear days (not counting Sundays and bank holidays). A debt adviser can ask for 28 clear days if they ask before the notice period ends. Older cases have a 7-day minimum.

The bailiff enforcement process and fees (debts passed to bailiffs from 1 May 2026)
  1. Debt passed to the bailiffsCompliance fee: £79
  2. Notice of Enforcement sentAt least 14 clear days before a visit (28 if a debt adviser asks)
  3. Best time to actPay, agree an affordable plan or get Breathing Space. Fees stay at £79.
  4. First visit to your homeEnforcement fee: £247 + 7.5% of the debt over £1,900
  5. Controlled goods agreement or goods removedYou get an inventory of the goods
  6. Sale or disposal stageSale fee: £116 + 7.5% over £1,900, plus storage and auction costs

Simplified illustration for most debts (council tax, parking, fines, county court). High Court writs use a different fee scale. Not advice.

What to do, in order

  1. Don’t ignore it. Put the date on your calendar.
  2. Check the debt is yours and the amount looks right. If it’s for someone else, see bailiffs chasing a previous occupant.
  3. Check the company is genuine. Find its contact details independently. See how to spot a fake bailiff.
  4. Work out what you can afford after essential bills.
  5. Make a written offer to the enforcement company, with your budget.
  6. Contact the creditor (often the council) if the offer is refused or you’re vulnerable.
  7. Get advice – especially if you have other debts. Breathing Space can pause most bailiff action for 60 days.

What to say: a simple offer letter

Reference: [number]

I’ve received your Notice of Enforcement dated [date] for a debt owed to [creditor]. I want to sort this out, but I can’t pay in full. After my essential costs, I can afford £[amount] a month, starting on [date]. I’ve attached a short budget. Please confirm in writing that you accept this arrangement and that no visit will be made while I keep to it.

Keep a copy. If they refuse, send the same offer to the creditor.

What happens if you do nothing

After the notice period, an agent can visit to take control of goods, adding an enforcement fee of £247 plus 7.5% of any debt over £1,900. Your car may be clamped. If goods are removed for sale, more fees follow. Use our bailiff fees calculator to see the cost.

For most debts, bailiffs still can’t force their way into your home – but leaving it this late makes everything harder and more expensive. For every option, see how to stop bailiffs.

Frequently asked questions

Can bailiffs come the day after the letter?

Not to take control of your goods. They must wait until the notice period has ended: 14 clear days for cases passed to bailiffs from 1 May 2026.

What if I can’t afford anything?

Tell the enforcement company and the creditor, and get free debt advice. You may be able to get Breathing Space, and a Debt Relief Order could be an option if you have a low income and few assets.

Should I ring the bailiff company or write?

Either, but always follow up in writing so you have a record of what was agreed.

Sources

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How To Stop The Bailiffs is an independent introducer, not a government service. We introduce you to an FCA-authorised debt adviser and may be paid a fee. Debt solutions can have fees and affect your credit rating. Free advice is available from MoneyHelper and debt charities.

How we wrote this article

  • Research: written from primary sources such as legislation.gov.uk, GOV.UK and the Insolvency Service, then fact-checked by a second member of our team. The sources are listed above.
  • Checked: last checked on . Next review due April 2027, or sooner if the rules change.
  • Scope: applies to England and Wales. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, read our Scotland and Northern Ireland guide. It is general information, not personal advice.
  • Independence: we are not a government website or service, and we are not connected to any council, court or enforcement company.
  • Money: we may receive a fee if we introduce you to a debt advice firm. This doesn't change what we write. How we're paid.

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