A bailiff visited my property

What does a bailiff do?

A bailiff has legal powers to collect outstanding debts. They do this on behalf of a creditor. This may be a business or the government. A bailiff has the legal right to visit your property, enforce court decisions and take your belongings or garnish your wages.

Why does a bailiff visit your property?

The bailiff visits you for different reasons.

1. You may be served court summons by the bailiff
   A summons is a letter that notifies you that you need to appear in court. The bailiff may leave this summons with a member of your household or in your letterbox.
2. The bailiff may formally serve you with legal documents
   You may be notified of the court’s judgement. Did the judge rule that you must pay your debt? Under this judgement, the bailiff may seize your belongings. In that case, the bailiff will serve the judgement upon you and will ask you to pay your outstanding debt within 2 days. The bailiff will come to your property to serve the judgement, the decision or the enforcement order.
3. The bailiff has garnished your wages or benefit
   In case of wage garnishment, the bailiff will first visit your employer or the body that pays your benefit.  Eight days later, the bailiff will visit your property. You will be officially notified of a wage garnishment order.
4. The bailiff visits your property to remove and sell your goods
5. The bailiff disconnects your gas, water and/or energy supply

What should I do if a bailiff visits my property?
Stay calm and keep talking.