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Summaries

Dealing with bailiffs can sometimes seem frightening, but there are legal limits on what action they can take. Find out more about your rights and what you can do.

Dealing with bailiffs
Council tax arrears 

Things you can do if you get behind with council tax payments.
Dealing with bailiffs
County court bailiffs

Find out what powers county court bailiffs have, and your rights.

Whatever your situation, we can help

However you feel comfortable, we can help you make a plan to take control of your debt.

Call Chat online My Money Steps
Dealing with bailiffs
High court enforcement

How the High Court can get involved if you owe money.

Whatever your situation, we can help

However you feel comfortable, we can help you make a plan to take control of your debt.

Call Chat online My Money Steps
Dealing with bailiffs
Magistrates’ court fines 

How magistrates’ court fines work and what to do if you get one.

Dealing with bailiffs
Penalty charge notices

How to deal with council parking penalties.

Sample letters

Dealing with bailiffs
Ask a bailiff for an extra 14 days to seek debt advice before they visit your property

Use this letter to tell a bailiff you need an additional 14 days to seek debt advice before they visit your property, after they have served a Notice of Enforcement on you.
Dealing with bailiffs
Complain about a bailiff overcharging you

​Use this letter to tell the bailiffs that they have added more fees to your debt than the law allows.
Dealing with bailiffs
Complain to a bailiff company

​Use this letter when you are unhappy about the way a bailiff has behaved and you want to complain to them about their actions.
Dealing with bailiffs
Complain to a council about the actions of their bailiffs

Use this letter to complain to a council if you are not happy with the actions taken by the bailiffs they are using.
Dealing with bailiffs
Request a stay of execution in the High Court

Use this letter to request a stay of execution in the High Court when you are unable to pay immediately.​
Dealing with bailiffs
Tell a bailiff that you are vulnerable

Use this letter to tell a bailiff that you are vulnerable and ask them to return the debt to your creditor.

In-depth guides

Dealing with bailiffs
Council tax arrears

Help to understand what a council can do to recover council tax arrears | Free council tax bailiff advice.
Dealing with bailiffs
County Court bailiffs

How to stop bailiffs coming into your home and what to do if you receive a warrant of control. Free advice on dealing with County Court bailiffs.
Dealing with bailiffs
High Court enforcement

Advice on what to do if you are visited by a high court bailiff. Help on dealing with debts enforced by the High Court.
Dealing with bailiffs
Magistrates’ court fines: how they work and how to deal with them

Struggling with a magistrates court fine? Find out how to pay, what happens if you can’t, and how enforcement, bailiffs or prison could apply.
Dealing with bailiffs
Penalty charge notices

Penalty charge notices (PCN) for parking explained. Free help and advice on parking fines from National Debtline.

Related topics

Court action
Going to court for debt can be frightening, but court action often helps you get things sorted out. Find out more about your rights and what you can do.
Dealing with your creditors
Dealing with creditors can be challenging, but there are legal limits on what action they can take. Find out more about your rights and what you can do.