Granting a bailiff peaceful entry into your home once allows them to return and re-enter, so it’s crucial to make a thoughtful decision before doing so. If you don’t want an enforcement agent to enter, you should keep this in mind before opening the door to them. Nevertheless, bailiffs can still seize items from outside your property, such as your vehicle.

You don’t have to open the door to a bailiff. You can communicate with them through a chained door, a window, or the letterbox. While this may seem excessive, it’s crucial to prioritise your safety, as much of our bailiff advice suggests. Seeking advice on any uncertain matters related to bailiffs is vital, as it will give you a better understanding of the rules and limitations, allowing you to make informed decisions.

There is often confusion between bailiffs and enforcement agents, but they are essentially the same. In a recent review of bailiff regulations, they were renamed “enforcement agents” and subjected to a simplified set of rules. The changes not only encompass what they can or cannot do when visiting your property but also include new fees that may be applied at different stages of the process.

In the past, bailiffs could impose a “levy charge” and a “walking possession agreement” when they seized items from your property. The latter must be signed by you before they can hire a van to take the belongings and charge you for it. Many found the old bailiff fees structure confusing, and sought bailiff advice from Council Tax Advisors to clarify the charges.

However, the introduction of new rules has made the fee structure more straightforward. The new fees are as follows:

COMPLIANCE FEE 

A charge of £75 is levied when your case is transferred from the local authority to the bailiff or enforcement agent.

ENFORCEMENT FEE

A fee of £235 is charged when bailiffs make their first visit to your premises, with an additional 7.5% of debts over £1,500 included.

SALE FEE

A fee of £110 is charged when bailiffs start removing or preparing items for sale, with an additional 7.5% of debts over £1,500 applied.

Apart from the new fees, changes have been made to stricter rules on when bailiffs can visit homes – between 6am and 9pm and not when only children or vulnerable adults are present – and that all enforcement agents must undergo mandatory training. One of the most significant changes is the requirement to give seven days’ notice before a bailiff visit, which has reduced anxiety and stress for families struggling with debt. If you receive a notification of a bailiff visit, contact Council Tax Advisors, and we can assist you in devising an affordable repayment plan.