Dealing with a letter saying bailiffs will visit

Summary

Bailiffs must follow extra rules if they class you as ‘vulnerable’. You could be classed as vulnerable if you: * are in a stressful situation like recent bereavement or unemployment Before you speak to bailiffs, check the extra rules they should follow if you're vulnerable. If you let bailiffs into your home, they can take your property. If you don't let them in, they can still: * take your things from a road - like your car You don't have to let bailiffs into your home. They can't force their way in, but they can come in if you've left a door unlocked. If bailiffs didn’t follow the rules, you can check how to complain about bailiffs. If you get a letter saying bailiffs are going to evict you, find out how to deal with eviction by bailiffs on Shelter’s website. You should first make sure your notice of enforcement includes the right information. If it doesn't, you can complain to stop the bailiffs coming until a new notice is sent. * show what debt you owe and state the correct amount * explain that you have 14 days' notice before the bailiffs can visit * come from a registered bailiff not a debt collector - you can check on the Bailiffs Register on the Justice website * be sent.

Key information

• are disabled or seriously ill
• have mental health problems
• have children or are pregnant
• are aged under 18 or over 65
• don’t speak or read English well
• are in a stressful situation like recent bereavement or unemployment
• take your things from a road - like your car
• show your correct name and address
• show what debt you owe and state the correct amount
• explain that you have 14 days' notice before the bailiffs can visit
• come from a registered bailiff not a debt collector - you can check on the Bailiffs Register on the Justice website
• be sent to you by letter - either by post, fax, email, by being fixed to your front door if you don't have a letterbox or by being given to you

Practical guidance

• Source: Dealing with a letter saying bailiffs will visit

Related topics

More in this area

• Check if a financial service has followed the rules
• Check if you have to pay a debt
• Check the rules after you go bankrupt
• Check what an IVA is
• Cold called by a debt management plan provider