Enforcement agent putting a foot in the door

Do not grab, pull or assault an enforcement agent. An agent must not use force against a person, and entry to a home is usually restricted, but physical confrontation creates serious risk.

State clearly that entry is not permitted, do not open the door further and record events safely. Ask for identity and authority through a window or letterbox and preserve doorbell video and damage evidence.

Use 999 if violence is occurring or someone is in immediate danger. The civil remedy depends on the debt, entry power, force, loss and correct defendant.

Sources and scope

This site concerns England and Wales. Principal sources include Schedule 12 to the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013, the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014, CPR Part 84 and the GOV.UK bailiff guide.

This article or page was last checked on . The next check will be on . Law and procedure can change; check the current official position before acting.