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Can a Debt Relief Order Stop Bailiffs? | DRO

Updated On:
  • March 22, 2026

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If bailiffs are chasing you for debts and you’re struggling to cope, you might be wondering whether a Debt Relief Order (DRO) can stop enforcement action. Many people in serious financial difficulty look at a DRO as a way to get breathing space and a fresh start, but how does it actually affect bailiffs?

The good news is that in many cases, a Debt Relief Order can stop bailiffs. However, there are some important rules and limits you should understand.

What Is a Debt Relief Order?

A Debt Relief Order is a formal debt solution designed for people who have low income, very few assets, and relatively small amounts of debt. It is sometimes described as a cheaper, simpler form of bankruptcy.

Once a DRO is approved, you usually make no payments towards the included debts for 12 months. If your situation does not improve during that time, the debts are normally written off at the end of the period.

Does a Debt Relief Order Stop Bailiffs?

In most cases, yes. Once a Debt Relief Order is in place, creditors included in the DRO are no longer allowed to take enforcement action against you. This means bailiffs should stop visiting, contacting you, or trying to take goods for those debts.

If bailiffs are already involved, the DRO places a legal restriction on further enforcement. Any ongoing action for included debts should be paused and not restarted while the DRO is active.

What If Bailiffs Are Already at My Door?

If bailiffs are already chasing you and you are in the process of applying for a DRO, timing is important.

Until the DRO is officially approved, bailiffs can continue enforcement. Once it is approved, enforcement for included debts must stop. This is why it’s important to get advice as early as possible and not delay the application if a DRO may be right for you.

If bailiffs turn up after your DRO is approved, you should tell them about the DRO and provide details. They should then stop action and refer the case back to the creditor.

What Types of Debt Does a DRO Cover?

A DRO can cover many common debts, including:

  • Credit cards and loans
  • Overdrafts
  • Catalogue debts
  • Utility arrears
  • Benefit overpayments
  • Some council tax debts

If the bailiff is collecting a debt that is included in your DRO, enforcement should stop.

Are There Any Debts a DRO Won’t Stop Bailiffs For?

Yes. Some debts are not covered by a DRO, such as:

  • Magistrates’ court fines
  • Child maintenance
  • Student loans
  • Certain types of fraud debts

If bailiffs are collecting one of these, a DRO may not stop them. This is why it’s essential to check exactly what debt the bailiffs are enforcing.

Can Bailiffs Still Take Goods If I Have a DRO?

Once the DRO is in place, bailiffs should not take goods for any debt included in it. However, if bailiffs had already taken control of goods before the DRO was approved, the situation can be more complicated and depends on the stage of enforcement.

This is another reason why acting early and getting advice quickly can make a big difference.

Will a DRO Stop All Bailiffs Forever?

A DRO does not permanently protect you from bailiffs for every possible debt. It only covers the debts listed in the DRO and only while it is active.

If you build up new debts after your DRO starts, those are not covered and could still lead to enforcement action in the future.

How Do You Apply for a Debt Relief Order?

You cannot apply for a DRO yourself. You must go through an approved intermediary, usually a debt adviser. They will check your situation, confirm whether you qualify, and submit the application for you.

There is a small application fee, but for many people, a DRO is one of the most affordable and effective ways to deal with unmanageable debt.

How Bailiff Helpline Can Help

If bailiffs are involved and you’re wondering whether a Debt Relief Order could stop them, Bailiff Helpline can help you:

  • Understand whether a DRO is suitable for your situation
  • Check which debts are covered
  • Explain what will happen with bailiffs
  • Guide you to the right next step for getting a DRO
  • Help you protect your home and belongings while you get things sorted

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Bailiff Helpline

Bailiff Helpline is an expert voice on bailiff enforcement, debt recovery, and financial rights in the UK. With years of hands-on experience supporting individuals through challenging enforcement situations, Bailiff Helpline publishes clear, compassionate, and actionable articles to help readers understand their rights, navigate bailiff processes, and make informed decisions. Whether you’re facing council tax arrears, High Court writs, or HMRC collections, Bailiff Helpline breaks down complex topics into everyday language—empowering people to take control with confidence.
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