How to complain about a bailiff
If an enforcement agent has broken the rules — overcharged, threatened you, taken exempt goods, entered when they should not — there are clear routes to complain. Which one depends on who sent them.
Applies to: England & Wales
What to do now
- Write down what happened, with dates, times, names and any fees charged.
- Check the fees with the bailiff fee checker; it can also draft a fee challenge.
- Send your complaint to the enforcement company and the creditor at the same time, and keep copies.
Who to complain to
| Who sent the bailiff | Where to complain |
|---|---|
| A council or Transport for London | The enforcement company and the council or TfL; the Enforcement Conduct Board if the firm is accredited by it; and, about the council’s own handling, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman |
| A private creditor (certificated enforcement agent) | The enforcement company and creditor; then the Enforcement Conduct Board if the firm is accredited by it, or the trade association (CIVEA) if it is not; and the court that issued the agent’s certificate, using form EAC2 |
| A High Court enforcement officer | The company and creditor; then the Enforcement Conduct Board if the firm is accredited, or the High Court Enforcement Officers Association if it is a member |
| A County Court or family court bailiff | In writing, or on the HMCTS complaint form, to the court the bailiff came from |
| A magistrates’ court fine (private firm) | The firm, with a copy to the court that issued the warrant |
What to include
- Your reference number and the agent’s name or badge number.
- What happened and why it broke the rules.
- What you want: fees removed, goods returned, an apology, compensation.
- Copies of evidence — notices, receipts, photos, your contact log.
The Enforcement Conduct Board deals with conduct from 1 January 2025 onwards; complain to it within three months of becoming aware of the problem, or within one month of the firm’s final response. Ask the company to put enforcement on hold while your complaint is looked at. Complaining to a court can carry a costs risk if it finds there were no reasonable grounds, so get advice before using form EAC2.
You never have to pay for debt advice. MoneyHelper (government-backed), StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential advice with no obligation.
Common questions
Can I complain to the council about its bailiffs?
Yes. If a council instructed the enforcement agents, complain to the council as well as the company. If you are unhappy with the council's final response, you can go to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
What is form EAC2?
It is the form for complaining to the County Court about a certificated enforcement agent. The court can cancel the agent's certificate or order compensation.
Is it free to complain about a bailiff?
Yes, complaints are free. If you take a complaint to court and it finds there were no reasonable grounds, you could be asked to pay legal costs.