How to stop bailiffs acting against you

There is no single switch that stops enforcement, but there are several lawful routes — and they work best the earlier you use them. This guide lists the options we can describe from the legislation and official guidance. None of this is legal advice; if your situation is complex, use the free advice services listed at the bottom.

1. Act inside the notice period

Enforcement agents must give you notice of enforcement at least 14 clear days before they can take control of your goods (28 on a debt advice provider's request for a non-business debt — the minimum rose from 7 days on 1 May 2026, SI 2026/366) — and Sundays, bank holidays, Good Friday and Christmas Day do not count towards those 7 days (Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013, regulation 6). That notice period is your window. Ignoring the letter does not stop anything; using the window does. See our guide to the notice period for the detail.

2. Pay, or agree a payment arrangement

Paying the debt in full (or the amount your creditor agrees) ends enforcement before fees pile up — fees are charged by stage, so stopping at the compliance stage is the cheapest possible outcome. If you cannot pay in full, propose a payment arrangement in writing and keep every reply. A creditor can still refuse, but a written offer shows you engaged, which matters later if the case is disputed.

3. Breathing space — 60 days of protected time

The debt respite ("breathing space") scheme gives a standard breathing space of 60 days, during which creditors must pause most enforcement action. It can only be set up by a debt adviser, not by you directly — contact National Debtline, StepChange or Citizens Advice and ask whether you qualify. The official guidance we checked confirms that once a breathing space is registered, courts tell county court bailiffs to pause enforcement, and creditors must tell any other enforcement agent they instructed.

There is also a mental health crisis breathing space, which has no fixed end date and can be started through an approved mental health professional. If that describes your situation, say so plainly to the adviser you contact.

4. The vulnerability route

If you (or someone in your household) are vulnerable — for example because of mental health problems or serious illness — enforcement agents are required to give you an adequate opportunity to get help and advice before removing goods. Under regulation 12 of the Fees Regulations 2014, if they do not, the enforcement-stage fees are not recoverable. Tell the firm and your creditor in writing that there is a vulnerability issue, and read our vulnerability guide.

5. Dispute the fees or the action

You do not have to accept every fee on the statement. Disputes about the amount of fees and disbursements are decided by the court (Fees Regulations 2014, regulation 16). Before paying a fee you believe is wrong, check what the statute allows with our fee checker — and complain first through the firm's own complaints process. The government's official page on your rights with bailiffs explains how to complain about an agent.

What does not stop bailiffs

• Not answering the door does not stop enforcement — see our guide on what happens if you don't answer.
• Moving goods elsewhere does not protect them, and it is the exact ground on which courts can shorten the notice period.
• Verbal promises made on the doorstep are hard to prove. Get everything in writing.

Free, independent help

• National Debtline — free debt advice, 0808 808 4000
• StepChange — free debt charity, can set up breathing space applications
• Citizens Advice — local advisers and web resources

⚖ Source-checked 2026-10-09 at legislation.gov.uk · Independent information — not legal advice.