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In debt: what can a bailiff take from my home?

18/01/2010

If you have outstanding debts that you have been unable to repay despite repeated warnings, your lenders may take legal action against you through the County Court to obtain a Judgment on your debt. Once they have a Judgment, they may be entitled to instruct a bailiff to go to your home and seize goods up to the value of the outstanding debt.

You will receive notification in writing if a bailiff is due to call at your house. Use the time this gives you to your advantage, and contact an expert debt adviser at your earliest opportunity to discuss your options.

What can bailiffs take?

Bailiffs can take any household goods up to the value of the debt you owe, except for goods that are necessary for a basic standard of living. So, they cannot take:

• Essential furniture and appliances such as your oven, fridge or bed
• Clothing
• Children`s toys
• Anything that doesn`t belong to you (rented or other people`s property)

However, in some circumstances they can take items such as TVs, computers/laptops and stereo systems, as long as they belong to you. They can also take items that you jointly own with someone else.

They should not take anything that is essential for your work - so, for example, if you work from home, they shouldn`t take your work computer.

Do I have to let the bailiffs in?

You are under no obligation to let County Court bailiffs in, and on their first visit they are only legally allowed to enter your home if you let them in, or if they enter through an unlocked window or door.

After they have gained entry however, they have a legal entitlement to force future entry and take any goods they have previously levied.

What can I do if I have been informed a bailiff will visit me?

It is important that you act quickly and talk with an expert debt adviser about your options. A debt adviser can offer guidance on the best course of action for dealing with the bailiff and, if appropriate, can recommend a longer-term solution for dealing with any other debts.

To speak with one of our debt advisers today, call us on 0800 074 8639.

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