What is a Notice of Enforcement?
A Notice of Enforcement is the letter enforcement agents (bailiffs) must send before they can visit your home to take control of goods. Since 1 May 2026 it must give you at least 14 clear days to pay or arrange payment first — and paying in this window keeps the added fee to a single £79 charge instead of hundreds of pounds.
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A Notice of Enforcement is the letter enforcement agents (bailiffs) must send before they can visit your home to take control of goods. Since 1 May 2026 it must give you at least 14 clear days to pay or arrange payment first — and paying in this window keeps the added fee to a single £79 charge instead of hundreds of pounds.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · Written in plain English, checked against gov.uk · Information only, not legal advice
Notice of Enforcement: the essentials
- What it isThe required warning letter before a bailiff visit
- Notice periodAt least 14 clear days (28 via a debt adviser)
- Compliance fee£79 added at this stage
- Enforcement fee£247 once an agent visits (+7.5% over £1,900)
- Sale fee£116 if goods are removed (+7.5% over £1,900)
How long do I have after a Notice of Enforcement?
You must be given at least 14 clear days (not counting the day of posting, Sundays, and bank holidays) before an enforcement agent can visit — this increased from 7 days on 1 May 2026. If a debt advice provider requests it on your behalf for a non-business debt, the period is 28 clear days. This window is your best opportunity: paying the debt now, or agreeing a payment arrangement, avoids a visit and the much larger fees that come with it.
What fees can be added, and when?
Enforcement fees are fixed by law. When the Notice of Enforcement is issued, a compliance-stage fee of £79 is added. If you do not pay or arrange payment and an agent visits, a £247 enforcement-stage fee is added (plus 7.5% of any part of the debt over £1,900). If goods are then removed and sold, a further £116 sale-stage fee applies (again plus 7.5% over £1,900). The single most effective way to keep costs down is to deal with the debt during the 14-day compliance window, when only the £79 fee applies.
What can I do to stop a bailiff visit?
Within the notice period you can pay the debt in full, or contact the enforcement company to set up a realistic payment arrangement — many will agree instalments. If the debt is wrong or you do not recognise it, say so in writing and ask for it to be put on hold while it is checked. If you are 'vulnerable' (for example due to illness, disability, or age) you can ask for extra protections. A free debt charity can negotiate with agents on your behalf, which many people find takes the pressure off.
What happens if you ignore it?
If you ignore a Notice of Enforcement, once the 14 clear days pass an agent can visit, adding the £247 enforcement fee, and can take control of non-essential goods, with a further £116 sale fee if items are removed and sold. You also lose the cheapest way to resolve it — paying at the £79 compliance stage. Acting in the notice window, even just to arrange affordable payments, keeps costs and stress far lower than waiting for a visit.
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See what your letter means — freeFrequently asked questions
Can bailiffs just turn up without warning?
No. For most debts they must first send a Notice of Enforcement and wait at least 14 clear days before visiting.
How much does it cost if I pay before they visit?
Only the £79 compliance-stage fee is added if you pay or arrange payment during the notice period. Waiting until an agent visits adds £247 more.
Can I set up a payment plan instead of paying in full?
Yes. You can contact the enforcement company to agree instalments, and a debt charity can negotiate for you. Keeping to the plan avoids a visit.
Official sources & free help
For the full detail — and free, independent advice — see: