KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: BAILIFFS

• You do not have to let them in at night (between 9:00pm and 6:00am)

• They can not break in, use force or threaten you with violence

• They must show you papers that have the right name and address

• You do not have to let them in (unless you have one of the debts below)

  If Bailiffs come: Do not let them in

• (Even to “sign papers” or use your bathroom. They do not need to come into your house.

• Ask them to show their papers (through your letterbox or leaving them on your doorstep)

• Wait for them to leave. They often have multiple jobs in a day and will need to go to another house.

When can a bailiff enter your house?

• Normally, a bailiff can only come in if you let them (meaning that if you say no, they cannot come in your house).

• However, if you have one of these debts, they can use a locksmith to open your door, even if you ask them to leave.

• You should normally know if you have one of these debts because there should be paperwork/court hearings telling you that you have it.

• A County court judgement which allows them to (check the paperwork)

• Overdue tax

• Fines from a magistrate/criminal court

• You are being evicted

What else can I do?

Join Food and Solidarity as part of our community defence work! Together we can resist harassment and unfair treatment.