If you’ve missed payments and fallen behind on debts, you might be worried about bailiffs turning up at your door. It’s a scary thought – but knowing your rights can help you feel more in control.
One of the most common questions people ask is: what can bailiffs actually take from my home? The answer isn’t always simple, but there are clear rules about what’s allowed and what’s off-limits.
In this guide, we explain what bailiffs can legally take, what they can’t, and how this applies to things like your car, phone, furniture, and even your pet. We also cover what happens if you live with your parents or share your home with someone else.
If you’re already worried about bailiffs, it might be time to look at ways to deal with your debt. Options like a Debt Management Plan (DMP) or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) could help you get back on track and may help to stop bailiff action before it starts. We explain how these work later in the guide, and how to get help if you need it.
What can a bailiff take?
Bailiffs (also known as enforcement agents) can visit your home to collect certain types of debt. This includes council tax arrears, unpaid court fines, parking tickets, and some county court judgments (CCJs).
When they visit, they can take some of your belongings to sell and raise money towards your debt. But there are clear rules about what they can and can’t take.
Items bailiffs are allowed to take:
- TVs, games consoles, jewellery, and other luxury goods
- Spare furniture or a vehicle (depending on your situation)
Items bailiffs must leave you with:
- Clothes
- A cooker
- Your bed
- Your fridge
Before taking anything, bailiffs must give you notice. They usually aren’t allowed to force their way into your home on the first visit. In most cases, they need to be let in peacefully.
Can bailiffs take my car?
Bailiffs can take your car if it belongs to you and is parked somewhere they’re allowed to access. But there are exceptions.
They usually can’t take it if you need the car for work or for caring responsibilities. If the vehicle is on hire purchase or belongs to a Motability scheme, they also can’t take it, because it’s not fully yours.
Bailiffs can’t remove a car that’s parked on private land that doesn’t belong to you. If it’s left on your neighbour’s drive, for example, they don’t have the right to take it from there.
If you’re worried, you can move your car before a visit. Just be careful not to try and hide it in a way that might be seen as avoiding enforcement.
Can bailiffs take sofas?
Bailiffs can’t take your only sofa or chairs you need for everyday living. These are seen as essential household items and are protected.
But if you have more than one sofa, or you have expensive furniture that’s not in regular use, they might list it to be taken. That said, large furniture can be difficult to sell, so bailiffs often look for smaller, high-value items instead.
Can bailiffs take your phone?
Bailiffs can take some types of phones, but it depends on the situation.
Most of the time, you will be allowed to keep your mobile phone, especially if it’s a basic model that you use every day. Phones are important for staying in touch, calling for help, or managing work and daily life. Because of this, bailiffs usually leave them alone.
However, if you have a high-end smartphone that’s worth a lot of money, and it isn’t seen as essential, a bailiff might list it to be taken. Even then, they would have to leave you with another way to communicate, like an older phone.
If your mobile is on a contract or part of a lease, the bailiff cannot take it. That’s because the phone isn’t fully yours until it’s paid off.
As for landlines, bailiffs can’t take the actual phone line itself, as it’s part of the building. But if you have an expensive cordless handset or telephone system that you own outright, they might be able to take that. This is very unlikely, though, as most landline phones aren’t worth enough to make it worthwhile.
Can bailiffs take children’s stuff?
No – bailiffs cannot take belongings that clearly belong to children. This includes toys, clothes, school uniforms, beds, and other personal items.
Even if the child only lives with you part-time, their things are still protected. Bailiffs are not allowed to remove anything that is used or owned by a child.
Can bailiffs take pets?
Pets are fully protected. Bailiffs are not allowed to take animals from your home, no matter how much they might be worth.
Even valuable pets, like pedigree dogs or cats, cannot be taken to cover your debt.
What can bailiffs take if I live with my parents?
If you live with your parents or anyone else, bailiffs can only take items that belong to you. They are not allowed to remove things that clearly belong to someone else.
However, if a bailiff thinks an item might be yours, they may list it unless someone proves otherwise. If your parents can show that something belongs to them – with a receipt, for example – the item should not be taken.
To avoid confusion, it helps to keep your personal items separate from shared ones. If you’re worried about a visit, try to remove anything expensive or clearly mark what’s not yours.
How to stop bailiffs
If you’ve received notice from bailiffs, don’t panic. There are ways to stop enforcement before it goes any further.
One option is to set up a payment plan. If the debt is valid, you can offer to pay in smaller amounts. Bailiffs are expected to consider reasonable offers.
Another option is to apply for Breathing Space. This is a government scheme that gives you up to 60 days of protection from bailiffs. During this time, you can get debt advice and start a plan to deal with your money worries.
In some cases, the debt itself may not be enforceable. For example, it might be too old, or there may have been mistakes in how it’s handled. Getting help from a debt adviser can help you check this.
The best step is to talk to a professional. For free advice, you can visit MoneyHelper. Alternatively, here at MoneyPlus Advice, we can help you stop bailiff action and find a better way forward. Whether it’s setting up a DMP, looking into an IVA, or exploring other options, we’re here to support you.
