How many times can a bailiff visit?
There is no set limit on the number of times a bailiff can visit. But only one visit fee can be charged per case, however many times they come, and there are rules about when and how they visit.
In short
- The law does not limit how many times a bailiff can visit, or how often in a week.
- Only one £247 enforcement fee can be charged for a case, however many visits there are.
- Visits can only happen between 6am and 9pm, but on any day of the week.
- Bailiffs have 12 months from the notice of enforcement to take control of goods.
- Repeated visits that feel like harassment can be complained about.
Is there a limit on visits?
No. The rules that govern bailiffs, officially enforcement agents, in England and Wales do not set a maximum number of visits for a council tax debt, or a limit on how many times they can come in a week.
In practice, most firms visit a few times at most. If they cannot collect, or find nothing they can take, they usually return the case to your council. See what happens if bailiffs have nothing to take.
Does each visit add a fee?
No. This is the important part.
For each case, a bailiff firm can charge:
- One compliance fee of £79, when it receives the case
- One enforcement fee of £247, plus 7.5% of the debt above £1,900, from the first visit, however many visits follow
- One sale fee of £116, plus 7.5% above £1,900, only if goods are removed for sale
These are the amounts for cases a firm received from 1 May 2026. If you are charged a second enforcement fee for a second visit on the same case, it is wrong, and you can ask for it to be removed. See bailiff fees explained.
If your council passed more than one year’s council tax to the firm under separate liability orders, a compliance fee can be charged for each order. The enforcement fee is still only charged once.
When they can visit
Visits can only happen between 6am and 9pm, but on any day, including Sundays and bank holidays. See what time bailiffs can come.
How long can they keep visiting?
Bailiffs have 12 months from the date of the notice of enforcement to take control of goods. After that, the case usually goes back to your council, although the debt remains.
If the visits feel like harassment
Bailiffs must behave professionally. Repeated visits at unsocial times, threats, or pressure in front of neighbours or children can be complained about.
- Keep a record of every visit: date, time, who came, and what was said
- Complain to the bailiff firm and to your council
- Then go to the Enforcement Conduct Board, which oversees accredited firms. See how to complain about a bailiff
How to stop the visits
The visits stop when the debt is paid, an arrangement is agreed, or the account goes back to your council. The quickest route is usually to put an affordable offer to your council and ask it to take the account back. See how to stop bailiffs.
Where are you with the bailiffs?
Choose the one that fits best and an adviser will call you back. Free, confidential, and no obligation.
- I have had a reminder or a final notice A letter from the council, but no court involvement yet
- I have had a court summons A hearing date at the magistrates court
- A liability order has been made The court has granted the council recovery powers
- Enforcement agents have contacted me A letter or a visit from a bailiff firm
- Money is being taken from my wages or benefits An attachment of earnings or a benefit deduction
- I am not sure, or something else
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