What can a bailiff (enforcement agent) take?
Bailiffs (or Enforcement Agents) can only take luxury goods belonging to the owner of the debt. This means that they cannot take goods that belong to other people, even if they’re in your house.
If the person that owns the items has proof of ownership, such as a credit agreement or a receipt, then you’ll need to show it to the bailiff. If the bailiff does try to take items belonging to other people then it’s worth investing in a a statutory declaration, which legally confirms ownership by a third party.
There are items that bailiffs should never take including tools of your trade, books and basic domestic items such as furniture, clothing and household equipment.
If you have a question about debt, please call the charity’s debt advice helpline on 0800 043 40 50 to speak to an adviser.
