What can bailiffs take?

There are strict rules about what bailiffs can and can’t take - if they break these rules, you can complain and get your possessions back. There are also additional rules they should follow if you’re classed as vulnerable.

You don’t have to let bailiffs in the first time they visit, but you do have to if you’ve let them in before. 

If you let them in, they’ll make a list of things they can take away and sell before returning another day to take them.  When they come back, they can legally force their way into your home.

Even if you didn’t let them in, they can try and take your car - although you can try and stop this.

You’re allowed to move your valuables before they visit your property the first time – though doing so after a list has been made is a criminal offence.

Bailiffs are only allowed to take goods that belong to you or that you jointly own with someone else. They can’t take things that don’t belong to you, such as your children’s or your parents’ possessions.

They’ll typically target the biggest and most expensive items, like:

• vehicles – cars are often your most valuable possession and are easy to take away and sell
• jewellery
• phones – although they have to leave you with at least one phone
• laptops or computers – unless they belong to your employer
• televisions and electricals
• sofas 

Bailiffs aren’t allowed to take everything and have to leave you with things you need to live, including:

• clothing
• beds and bedding for everyone who lives at your address
• essential furniture – usually a table and enough chairs for everyone living with you
• household appliances – including the oven, fridge and washing machine
• pets
• things that belong to other people
• motability vehicles or vehicles with a valid blue badge
• medical equipment or medicine
• things that heat and light your house
• vehicles, tools or computer equipment you need for work or studying (up to a value of £1,350 – and you’ll need to prove you use it as claimed)
• things permanently attached or fitted, like kitchen units
• things you have on hire purchase, if the final payment hasn’t been made yet

These are known as exempt goods.

Remember, bailiffs are only allowed to take as much as is needed to cover the debt: they can’t take more than this.

In some circumstances, you might not have anything the bailiffs can take.

Find out what to do if this happens. 

If bailiffs take something they shouldn’t, or list it on a controlled goods agreement, you should complain within seven days. The bailiffs must respond within 10 days. 

This can be something that belongs to someone else (‘third-party goods’) or exempt goods – things they shouldn’t have taken.

Third-party goods

If third-party goods have been taken, the owner should complain as soon as possible. 

They should contact the bailiff company with evidence of ownership, such as proof of purchase.

If the company refuses to return it, the owner should complain to the person or company you owe money to.

Exempt goods

If exempt goods have been taken, you should contact the bailiff company with evidence showing why they shouldn’t have taken it and explaining why the item is exempt. 

For example, they might have taken your only phone, which they aren’t allowed to do.

If the bailiff refuses to give the exempt item back, you should complain to the person or company you owe money to. Send evidence to them about why the item shouldn’t have been taken.