What time can bailiffs come, and do they work weekends?
Bailiffs can visit your home between 6am and 9pm, on any day of the week, including weekends and bank holidays. Here is what that means in practice, and when they cannot come.
In short
- Bailiffs can visit between 6am and 9pm.
- They can come on any day: weekends, Sundays and bank holidays included.
- There is no rule stopping them at Christmas, although many firms slow down.
- They must give you at least 14 clear days' notice before the first visit.
- A visit outside 6am to 9pm, without a court's permission, breaks the rules and can be complained about.
The hours: 6am to 9pm
Bailiffs, officially enforcement agents, can only take control of goods at your home between 6am and 9pm. The rule comes from the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013 and applies to every bailiff firm in England and Wales.
A visit outside those hours is only allowed if a court has specifically given permission, which is very unusual for council tax. There is one practical exception: if a bailiff is already inside and taking control of goods before 9pm, they can finish, but they cannot start after 9pm.
Weekends, Sundays and bank holidays
Bailiffs can visit on any day of the week, including Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. There is no longer any rule against Sunday visits.
Many firms do visit at weekends and in the early evening, because that is when people are most likely to be at home.
Do bailiffs work over Christmas?
The law does not stop bailiffs visiting at Christmas. Many firms and councils pause or slow down visits over the Christmas period, but you should not rely on it. If you have had a notice of enforcement, act before the holidays rather than hoping for a break.
Business premises
If the goods are at a business, bailiffs can also visit during the business’s opening hours, even if those are outside 6am to 9pm.
Notice before the first visit
Bailiffs cannot just turn up. Before the first visit, they must send you a notice of enforcement, and give you at least 14 clear days to pay or agree something. “Clear days” do not count the day the notice is sent, the day of the visit, Sundays, bank holidays, Good Friday or Christmas Day.
If a debt adviser asks, the notice period can be extended to 28 clear days. See notice of enforcement.
How often can they visit?
There is no set limit on the number of visits, but only one enforcement fee can be charged for a case, however many times they come. See how many times a bailiff can visit.
If a bailiff visits outside the rules
If a bailiff visits before 6am or after 9pm, without a court order:
- Do not let them in. You never have to let a bailiff in for council tax. See can bailiffs force entry.
- Note the time, the bailiff’s name and certificate number, and anything they said.
- Complain to the bailiff firm and to your council. After that, you can go to the Enforcement Conduct Board. See how to complain about a bailiff.
In Scotland
Scotland does not have bailiffs. Sheriff officers collect council tax arrears under different rules. See sheriff officers.
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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