Free advice line 0800 014 7863
Bailiff fees and charges are legally regulated but vary depending on the debt and sadly, to some extent the bailiffs involved. As a general guide, bailiffs are entitled to charge you up to &50 per visit as well as a fee for their time, trouble and any storage costs.
Bailiff fees are usually due within 28 days.
Knowing approximate charges for your debt will ensure you are not exploited when bailiffs knock on your door. If, however, you have already been visited by bailiffs and believe you were over charged, learn how you can reclaim unfair bailiff charges..
Examples of charges:
Bailiffs will demand around &900, which must be paid within 5 days to prevent its sale at auction.
A standard congestion charge debt is &155. A bailiffs first visit costs &55, a second &66 and a third &77.50. In addition to this, there is a vehicle hire fee of &176.25. All of which can skyrocket a fine worth &155 to around &600.
A debtor is expected to foot the bill for every time a bailiff visits when nobody is at home. Fees are as follows:
1st visit - &24.50
2nd visit - &18.00
For debt less than £100, the bailiff will charge £24.50.
Where the debt is over £100 it is calculated as follows:
22.5% on the first £100
4% on the next £400
2.5% on the next £1,500
1% on the next £8000
0.25% on any additional sum.
Unfortunately for many debtors, there is no proper regulation of the following bailiff’s charges. The only stipulation is that charges must be ‘reasonable and not disproportionate to the size of the debt’, as agreed between the Magistrates Court and the bailiff. Charges are as follows:
Debt more than £100
20% of first £100
4% of the next £400
2.5% of the next £1500
1% of the next £8000
0.25% of any additional sum
The amount depends upon whether the judgement is from a normal county court or a bulk centre county court.
Debt of £300 or lessFor further information on fees not shown in the table above visit www.HMcourts-service.gov.uk
Return to Debt homepage.
