Bailiff
A bailiff, now formally called an enforcement agent, is a person authorised to collect certain debts by taking control of goods or collecting payment.
Also known as: bailiffs, enforcement agent, enforcement agents, High Court enforcement officer
Bailiffs act under rules set by the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013. They must give written notice before visiting, and they can usually only enter through an unlocked door or open window, with limited exceptions. Fees are fixed by law and added to the debt.
Some goods, such as tools of your trade and basic household items, are protected. If a bailiff contacts you, do not ignore them. Get free advice, and ask about arranging a payment plan before a visit takes place.
Related terms
Learn more
How to Deal with Bailiffs: Your Rights and Their Limits (2026)
Learn what bailiffs can and cannot do in England and Wales, the 14-day notice rule, current fees and how to respond.
8 min readRead Debt CollectionDebt Collection in the UK: What You Need to Know
Understand how debt collection works in the UK, what debt collectors can and cannot do, and how to protect yourself if you are being chased for a debt.
8 min readReadThis page provides general information only. It is not personalised financial, legal or tax advice, and rules and figures can change. Your situation is unique — please check official sources such as GOV.UK and MoneyHelper, and speak to a qualified, FCA-authorised adviser before making important decisions about your money.