The Bailiffs

Knock knock - what can I do with a bailiff at my door?

Opening the door to a bailiff is the stuff of nightmares. Having your possessions taken away is enough to turn anyone's blood cold.

If you believe it's bad now, it could get worse.....So what can you do, I hear you say!

At the moment a bailiff does not have the power to enter your home but can enter your business premises without your permission.

The Bailiff may be able to enter your home if you have legally related debts such as a speeding fine issued by a magistrate’s court.

Neither do they have the power to force entry unless they can provide a court order and often they are only given that if someone owes a court related fine. On the other hand, they can get a court order for fines, fixed penalties enforced by magistrate’s courts or tax arrears.

However, and this is a bit of a grey area, bailiffs can enter your home if they don't force their way in - for example, say you're upstairs and you have left your front door open, they could in theory let themselves in.

Bailiffs cannot take possessions that are essential to you carrying out your work and livelihood - for example, if you work from home and have a laptop/computer they cannot take it. Neither can they take away essentials such as a cooker or washing machine.

NEVER give a bailiff any money if there is any doubt you actually owe any money in the first place - it’s seen as an admission of guilt and could go against you at a later date.