Trick or treat? What to do if a bailiff knocks this Halloween

Halloween may be the one night of the year when you expect knocks on the door.
But if you’re behind on bills, that unexpected visitor might not be a trick-or-treater - it could be a bailiff.

Here’s how to deal with a bailiff at your door, what your rights are and where to get help.

Who are bailiffs?

Bailiffs (sometimes called enforcement agents) are people sent by the court or an organisation when you haven’t paid a debt.
It could be council tax, parking fines, energy bills or court debts.

They don’t just turn up out of the blue.
Before they visit, you should get a “notice of enforcement”. This is a letter that gives you at least seven days’ warning.

But when they do arrive, it can be scary. Especially if you don’t know your rights.

First rule: don’t let them in

Bailiffs can’t force their way in for most debts. And you don’t have to open the door.
Instead, talk to them through a letterbox or window.

The only times they can force entry is for very serious debts, like unpaid criminal fines or tax debts to HMRC. But that’s rare.

So if someone knocks claiming to be a bailiff, remember to stay calm and check who they are, without opening the door.

How to check they’re real

Real bailiffs will show:

• an ID card or badge
• a letter of authority showing who they work for
• details of what debt they’re collecting

Ask them to post it through your door or show it through the window.
If they refuse, don’t open the door.

To confirm they’re genuine, see what kind of bailiff they are from their proof of identity and:

• check the register of certificated bailiffs if they say they’re a certificated enforcement agent
• check the directory of high court enforcement officers if they say they’re a high court enforcement officer
• contact the court that sent them if they say they’re a county court bailiff, family court bailiff or a civilian enforcement officer

If they’re an approved enforcement agent, check they’re from one of these companies:

• Compliant Data-Led Engagements & Resolutions (CDER) Group
• Excel Civil Enforcement Limited
• Jacobs Enforcement
• Marston Holdings Limited
• Swift Credit Services Limited

What bailiffs can take

If you’ve never let the bailiff into your home before, they can’t usually come inside or take anything.

If they’ve been in peacefully once, they can come back and take things to sell, but only certain items.

For instance, they can’t take:

• your fridge, cooker or washing machine
• clothes, bedding or children’s toys
• pets
• tools you need for work or study (up to £1,350 in value)

They can take things like TVs, games consoles, jewellery, or cars, but they must leave a list of what’s taken.

Find out more about what bailiffs can and can’t take here: Help with bailiffs: what enforcement agents can and can't do and what greater protections you have if you’re vulnerable here: The rules bailiffs have to follow if you’re vulnerable

Remember: if you let them in once, they can come back later, even if you’re not home.

What to do if you can’t pay

Don’t panic. You’ve still got choices.

You can:

• ask the bailiff or their company for a payment plan
• contact us straight away if you’re struggling with this or other debts to find out how we can help

In 2024, more than 4.3 million people in the UK were behind on at least one household bill, so you’re definitely not the only one.

Watch out for fakes

Some scammers pretend to be bailiffs to get cash.
Real bailiffs never ask for payment in gift cards, vouchers or cryptocurrency.

If you’re not sure, don’t pay anything on the doorstep before checking their ID and confirming they’re genuine.

Don’t face it alone

If a knock on the door this Halloween makes your stomach drop - take a breath.
You’ve got rights, and there’s help out there.

So if your “trick or treat” night brings an unwelcome visitor, remember, the trick is knowing your rights.
And the treat?
Getting your peace of mind back.