Category: Debt Collection and Enforcement
What Fees Can Bailiffs Charge? Your Rights Explained
Introduction to Bailiff Fees Introduction to Bailiff Fees Bailiffs, also known as enforcement agents, are individuals authorised to collect certain types of debts in England and Wales. They may be instructed by courts, local authorities, or private creditors to recover unpaid debts such as council tax arrears, court fines, or outstanding business rates. Bailiffs have…
Bailiff Risk Assessments: Your Rights and How to Prepare
What Are Bailiff Risk Assessments? What Are Bailiff Risk Assessments? Bailiff risk assessments are checks that must be carried out by bailiffs before they visit your home to collect a debt. These assessments are designed to identify any factors that could affect the safety of both you and the bailiff during the visit. By law,…
Your Rights and Protections as a Vulnerable Debtor in the UK
Understanding Vulnerable Debtors Understanding who qualifies as a vulnerable debtor is crucial when it comes to fair and ethical debt collection in the UK. In legal terms, a vulnerable debtor is someone whose personal circumstances mean they may find it harder to manage debt or deal with debt collectors, such as bailiffs. Recognising vulnerability ensures…
How Breathing Space Moratorium Protects You From Bailiffs
What is a Breathing Space Moratorium? A Breathing Space Moratorium is a legal scheme in the UK designed to give people struggling with problem debt a temporary pause from most types of debt enforcement action. Introduced under the Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space Moratorium and Mental Health Crisis Moratorium) Regulations 2020, this tool can provide…
How to Apply for a Stay of Enforcement on Bailiffs
Understanding Court Applications to Stay Enforcement Understanding Court Applications to Stay Enforcement A court application to stay enforcement is a legal process that allows you to ask the court to temporarily pause bailiff actions taken to recover a debt. In practical terms, a "stay of enforcement" means that any steps bailiffs might take – such…
How to Negotiate a Payment Plan With Bailiffs Safely
Understanding Bailiffs and Your Rights Bailiffs, also known as enforcement agents, are individuals authorised to collect certain types of debts on behalf of creditors. Their main role is to recover money owed after a court order has been issued, such as for council tax arrears, unpaid fines, or other civil debts. Unlike debt collectors, bailiffs…
Forced House Sale Explained: Your Rights and How to Avoid It
What Is a Forced House Sale? What Is a Forced House Sale? A forced house sale is a legal process in the UK where a homeowner is required by a court to sell their property, usually to repay outstanding debts. Unlike a voluntary sale, where the homeowner chooses to put their property on the market,…
What to Do If You Get a Bailiff’s Notice to Comply
What is a Bailiff’s Notice to Comply? A Bailiff’s Notice to Comply is a formal letter sent to you by a bailiff (also known as an enforcement agent) when you owe money or have an outstanding court order. This notice is an official demand that requires you to take specific actions – most commonly, to…
How to Respond to a Bailiff Notice and Protect Your Rights
Understanding a Bailiff Notice When you receive a bailiff notice, it means a creditor has taken formal steps to recover a debt you owe. A bailiff notice is an official letter sent by a bailiff (also known as an enforcement agent) to inform you that they intend to visit your home or business to collect…
Controlled Goods Agreements: Your Rights and What to Expect
What Are Controlled Goods Agreements? What Are Controlled Goods Agreements? A Controlled Goods Agreement is a formal, legally binding contract used by bailiffs (also known as enforcement agents) in England and Wales when recovering certain types of debts, such as council tax arrears, court fines, or unpaid business rates. This agreement forms part of the…
