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What Happens if I Have Nothing for Bailiffs to Take

At Bailiff Helpline, we’ve supported countless people in this situation. Keep calm—even when bailiffs can’t take anything, there are still steps you can take to protect yourself and put a stop to ongoing enforcement.

Let's Stop Bailiffs

Understanding the Process
When No Goods Can Be Seized

If a bailiff enters your home and finds nothing of real value to take, that doesn’t end the issue. They must report back to the creditor or court responsible for the debt, and the enforcement efforts may shift or reshape from there. This doesn’t cancel the debt—it simply changes how you can handle it next

Bailiffs May Still Add Fees

Even when no goods are seized, bailiffs usually charge for the visit itself—which gets added to the outstanding debt. These costs can significantly increase what you owe, so seeking advice promptly is key to managing these extra fees.

The Debt Still Stands —and Legal Action May Continue

Having nothing seized doesn’t cancel or reduce your debt. You remain responsible, and creditors may continue enforcement, escalate legal proceedings, or pursue alternative routes like county court action or bankruptcy in serious cases.
Let's Stop Bailiffs

What You Can Do Next?

Let's Stop Bailiffs
Step 1

Communicate early

Contact the bailiffs or your creditor immediately to explain your situation and show willingness to engage.

Step 2

Arrange a manageable payment plan

Even small, regular payments may persuade bailiffs to pause further action.

Step 3

Speak to Bailiff Helpline Today

Options like IVAs or debt relief orders can legally halt enforcement and give you breathing space.

Take Action Before Bailiffs Do

Ignoring Bailiffs can lead to further enforcement action. The sooner you act, the more options you have.

Let's Stop Bailiffs

Credit Score

Credit Score Pop Up Wording : An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a formal agreement with creditors to repay a portion of your debts over time, but it does have an impact on your credit score and it will be difficult to obtain further credit whilst on an IVA. Once an IVA is approved, it is recorded on your credit report and will typically remain there for six years from the date it starts.
However, it’s important to note this is the case for most debt solutions and your credit score will likely already have been affected by being in debt in the first place.
Once your IVA is complete you will get a fresh start to begin rebuilding your credit rating.

Fees

IVA costs are charged for the preparation of your proposal and the administration of the arrangement for the full term (usually 5 years) these costs are charged from the monthly contributions you make into the IVA and are not in addition. Costs will only be recovered on approval of your arrangement and once you commence making payments to it. The fees for preparation of the proposal to creditors and calling the meeting for creditors to vote on its approval are called nominees fees, the fees for running the arrangement once approved are called supervisors fees. There are also some expenses incurred in the running of the arrangement such as the registration fee and the statutory insurance that needs to be taken by law, these are called disbursements. For our arrangements, the total of all of these is £3,650 although this may be adjusted by creditors when they vote on whether to accept. No matter what the end total of costs come to, you can be rest assured that these will be taken from the monthly payment we agree with you.