Can Bailiffs Take my Work Van and Tools? 

Are you worried about bailiffs taking your work van and tools? You’re in the right place for answers. Every month, over 170,000 people visit our website for advice on situations just like this, so remember, you’re not alone.

In this guide, we will explore:

•  Who a bailiff is and why they might visit your home.
•  The powers that bailiffs have.
•  How to handle debt and what to do if you can’t pay bailiffs.
•  What items a bailiff can and cannot take, including your work van and tools.
•  Where to find help if you’re dealing with too much debt.

We understand how stressful it can be to worry about your things being taken away, especially when they are needed for work. Our team has experience with these situations, and we’re here to support you. Read on to learn about the 2023 rules and protections that are in place to keep your work tools safe.

Can a Bailiff Take Your Tools and Work Van Away?

A bailiff cannot take any items that you need to do your work, as this would impede your ability to earn money and pay your debts. I have listed some examples of items that might be exempted in this way, below.

• The van or car you need for your work.
• A computer or laptop.
• Your work phone.
• Tools you use for work.
• A fax machine.

However, don’t go thinking that you can just tag any item as something you need for your work, so it can’t be taken by a bailiff. There is a limit to the total value of work-related items that can be protected. They can total no more than £1,350.

What Else Can’t a Bailiff Take?

Alongside items you need for work, certain other goods are protected from being confiscated by a bailiff. Below, I have given a list of the types of items that cannot be taken.

• Anything that is permanently attached to the property.
• Items that belong to somebody else (including your children).
• A guide dog, support dog, or pet.
• A mobility scooter or a car with a valid disabled badge.
• One table, and enough chairs to seat everyone in your household to eat from.
• Bedding and beds for each person living in your home.
• A microwave, fridge or cooker.
• One phone, either landline or mobile.
• A laundry machine.
• Medical equipment that is needed by anyone in your home.

What Happens if You Can’t Pay Bailiffs?

If a bailiff visits your home to collect a debt, such as unpaid car finance, they will want you to pay the debt in full. You can pay in cash, by cheque, using a debit or credit card, or any combination of these. If you cannot pay the debt in full, the bailiff is allowed to take goods from your home to be sold off to pay the debt.

A bailiff can only take goods from outside your home if you don’t let them inside. So anything in your garden, shed external garage, etc. If you do let them inside, there are certain rules they have to follow in relation to what they can and can’t take. I will cover these rules later in this post.

What Powers Do Bailiffs Have?

If you are facing an impending visit from bailiffs, don’t panic. It is important that you understand that outside of serving a criminal warrant, a bailiff has very few powers. They also work under quite tight restrictions. Such as the ones listed below, for example.

• A bailiff cannot enter your home by force. They cannot even push you out of the way to get through the door.
• Unless you let them inside, a bailiff can only enter your home through an unlocked door. They can’t use a window or force entry through a locked door.
• If only vulnerable people are at home, such as the physically or mentally disabled, or children under the age of 16, a bailiff cannot enter your home.
• A bailiff cannot visit your home between the hours of 9pm and 6am.

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