We know the panic that hits when you see a letter stamped “Notice of Enforcement” or something that says “Bailiff”.
Heart racing, stomach dropping — you’re not alone. Many of our clients tell us this was the moment they finally picked up the phone.
So, what does it really mean? And what should you do next?
Debt collectors vs bailiffs, are they the same thing?
This is where a lot of confusion (and fear) comes in.
- Debt collectors are usually companies chasing money you owe. They can call, write, or knock on your door, but they don’t have legal powers to take your things.
- Bailiffs (also called enforcement agents) are different. They’re usually involved when a priority debt – like council tax, court fines, or certain types of rent arrears has already gone to court. They can visit and take control of belongings if things aren’t sorted.
Most unsecured debts (like credit cards, catalogues, or payday loans) don’t jump straight to bailiffs. They usually go through debt collectors first. So don’t ignore these letter and emails. Get support before further action is taken.
First step: don’t ignore it
The worst thing you can do is shove the letter in a drawer. Bailiffs have strict rules to follow, but once enforcement starts, fees stack up quickly.
If you get one of these letters:
- Open it, read it, and check the type of debt.
- If it’s council tax or rent arrears, act quickly; these are “priority debts”.
- If it’s a credit card or loan, it’s more likely a debt collector, not a bailiff.
How we help at Dexter Bell
This is where regulated advice makes the difference. We’ll:
- Go through the letter with you (no jargon, we’ll explain what’s what).
- Check if it’s really a bailiff or just a collector.
- Help you work out your options from affordable repayment plans (like a Debt Management Plan) to referring you to the correct process, charity or specialist if it’s a priority debt.
Your rights if it is a bailiff
It’s important you know where you stand:
- Bailiffs can’t just barge in. In most cases, they can only enter through an unlocked door.
- They can’t take essentials like your cooker, fridge, clothes, or work tools.
- They must give you at least 7 days’ notice before visiting.
If in doubt, get advice before opening the door.
The bottom line
A bailiff letter is scary, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In fact, many people turn things around from this point.
At Dexter Bell, we’ve helped many of clients who once had those same dreaded envelopes on their doormats. With the right plan, the calls and letters stop and you get your peace of mind again.
Worried about a bailiff letter? Don’t panic alone. Contact us for help.
