Belongings and bailiffs - household items in a box that bailiffs could seize for council tax debt

Belongings and Bailiffs: What Can They Take?

Updated for 2026

Understanding the rules around belongings and bailiffs can help you protect your property. If you are worried about what bailiffs can take from your home, you are not alone. Millions of people across England and Wales face enforcement action every year for council tax arrears. This guide covers everything you need to know about what bailiffs can take, what is protected by law, and how to get your possessions back.

What Can Bailiffs Take From Your Home?

If a bailiff visits your property to collect a council tax debt, there are clear rules under the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013 about what they can and cannot remove. These regulations still apply in full in 2026, and every enforcement agent in England and Wales must follow them.

Bailiffs may take items that can be sold to repay what you owe, including their fees. This typically includes:

Items you own outright, such as valuable electronics, jewellery, designer clothing, or furniture
Jointly owned goods: if you own something with someone else (like a car or TV), the bailiff can still take it, though only your share of the value counts towards the debt
Goods bought on credit cards, store cards, or loans (if legally considered your property)
Cash, cheques, stocks, bonds, or share certificates found on your premises
Items you are wearing or carrying, such as a watch, phone, or jewellery

What Can Bailiffs Not Take?

Some items are protected by law, meaning bailiffs are not allowed to remove them regardless of your debt. Under the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013:

Tools or equipment essential for work or study: bailiffs cannot take items needed for your job or education, such as a work laptop or trade tools (unless the debt relates to unpaid business rates). The value limit for protected work tools is currently \u00a31,350
Basic household items: everyday essentials like your cooker, fridge, washing machine, beds, clothes, and kitchen utensils
Children\u2019s belongings: toys, clothes, or items that clearly belong to your child
Hired goods or items on hire purchase: if you are still making payments and the item belongs to the finance company, it cannot be seized
Pets or assistance animals: bailiffs cannot take any domestic or service animals
Food and drink: items essential for daily living are protected
Your home if it is a moveable item: if you live in a caravan or mobile home, it cannot be taken if it is your main residence
Medical equipment or mobility aids you rely on

How Much Can Bailiffs Take?

Bailiffs must only take goods that cover the total amount owed, including their fees. They cannot strip your home bare to cover a small debt. If they remove something worth significantly more than your debt, any surplus from the sale should be returned to you.

You will be given a list of items taken, either at the time of removal or through a controlled goods agreement. A controlled goods agreement means you keep the items in your home for now, but you must not sell, give away, or damage them. You should also receive a notice after entry, outlining what happened and your options going forward.

Bailiff Fees for Council Tax Debt in 2026

Bailiffs can add regulated fees to your debt at each stage of enforcement. As of 2026, the fixed fees are:

Compliance stage: \u00a375 (the initial letter before any visit)
Enforcement stage: \u00a3235 plus 7.5% on debts over \u00a31,500
Sale or disposal stage: \u00a3110 plus 7.5% on debts over \u00a31,500

These are the maximum amounts. Bailiffs cannot charge you more than these figures. If you think you have been overcharged, you can complain about a bailiff through the official government process.

How to Get Your Belongings Back After Bailiffs Take Them

If your possessions have been seized, you still have options:

Settle the debt in full: paying what you owe, including bailiff fees, is the quickest way to stop further action and recover items before they are sold
Agree a payment plan: you may be able to negotiate a repayment arrangement with your creditor or the council directly. While they are not obliged to accept, it is always worth asking
Buy the goods back at auction: if your items go to auction, you can bid on them, though you will need to offer the highest price
Challenge unlawful action: if the bailiff did not follow proper procedure, make a formal complaint. Start with the bailiff company, then escalate to the court or the government complaint process
Apply to the court: if goods were taken unlawfully, you can apply to the county court for their return under the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977

How to Protect Your Belongings Before a Bailiff Visit

Prevention is always better than cure. If you know a bailiff visit is coming, or you have received a compliance letter:

Do not let them into your home. For council tax debt, bailiffs cannot force entry unless they have previously gained peaceful entry. Read more about whether bailiffs can force entry
Park your car away from your property, as vehicles on your driveway or the road outside can be clamped or towed
Gather proof of ownership for items belonging to other household members. A simple signed letter or receipt can help
Lock any outbuildings, sheds, or garages, as bailiffs may attempt to access these
Contact your council to negotiate a payment plan before the bailiff visits
Contact Council Tax Advisors before the visit for free advice on your rights

What Happens If Someone Else\u2019s Belongings Are Taken?

If a bailiff takes items that belong to someone else in your household, such as a partner, flatmate, or family member, that person can make a claim. They will need to provide evidence of ownership, such as a receipt, bank statement, or warranty document. The bailiff company is required to return items that do not belong to the debtor.

It is a good idea to keep receipts and proof of purchase for valuable items in your home, particularly if you share your property with others.

Get Free Help from Council Tax Advisors

Council Tax Advisors are a not-for-profit organisation specialising in helping people deal with council tax bailiffs and enforcement action. We can speak to the bailiff on your behalf, arrange a temporary hold on visits, negotiate with your council, help you challenge unlawful behaviour, and set up an affordable repayment plan. All completely free of charge.

Get Free Advice Now