What can debt collectors not do?

If you start seriously falling behind with your debt repayments, your lender might send a debt collector to claim what you owe. This can be a daunting idea, but it'll help if you know what a debt collector has the right to do - and what your rights are.

Remember that even if your lender has sent a debt collector to your home, that doesn't mean there's no time left to resolve your debt problems. Visit this page to see how you could deal with your debts or fill in our debt solution finder and a professional debt adviser will ring you back to talk about what you could do.

Debt collectors are allowed to write to you, phone you up and visit your home to talk about the debt, but there are certain things they're not allowed to do, such as:

Enter your house without permission

They can't enter your property without your consent - and if you ask them to leave, they have to. Unless it's an 'initial' visit, they're also required to give you enough warning of when they're going to come around.

Be unclear

They have to be clear about who they are and the debt they are collecting, how much that is and what action they can take against you. They're not allowed to mislead you - by using official-looking documents that are made to look like court papers, for example.

Harass or threaten you

Debt collectors aren't allowed to make excessive phone calls or visit you too often. They are not allowed to threaten or intimidate you in order to make you repay the debt, or pressure you into selling your property so you can repay what you owe. They are not allowed to contact your neighbours or family members or call you at work. If they come to your house and park a vehicle outside that says anything along the lines of 'debt collection', this is also classed as harassment. This is because they aren't allowed to tell other people about your debt.

Pretend they are bailiffs

Bailiffs are often hired by courts, and they have more powers than debt collectors do. They can enter your home if a door or window is unlocked and are allowed to take your possessions (apart from essential possessions and things you need to do your job). Bailiffs are still bound by codes of conduct that they must follow. If you'd like to know more about bailiffs, click here. Again, even if a bailiff is visiting you, you should still have some time to sort it out - it's best to seek expert advice as soon as possible.

If you'd like more information, you can talk to one of our advisers - just fill in the callback form on this page. You could also take a look at the official OFT guidance on debt collection.

Try our debt solution finder

Answer a few simple questions and find out which debt solutions could help you, based on your circumstances.

Your Situation

Your total debt: Please select... £2,000 to £7,000 £7,000 to £12,000 £12,000 to £19,000 £20,000 +

Your location: Please select... England Wales Scotland Northern Ireland

Employment status: Please select... Employed full time Employed part time Self employed Unemployed Retired Student

Your email: (optional)

Your Details

First name: Surname: Telephone 1:

Telephone 2: (optional)

I agree to the privacy policy:

Please remember, this is just an information tool. We would always recommend you speak to a debt advisor for the most appropriate way to resolve your debt problems.

We'll give you an on-screen recommendation and call you. One of our advisors will be in touch to answer any questions you may have about your results.

Your privacy is important to us. All correspondence is held in the strictest confidence and we will only request information required to find your debt solution.

Related resources

• Will debt collectors come to my house?
• How do debt collectors find you?
• Facing debt collectors? You have rights.
• Who are debt collectors? What can they do?
• Debt Collection: what help is available?
• When is debt too old to be collected?
• When are bailiffs used?
• Debt management - can it stop the bailiffs visiting?

Tags: debt, debt collectors, bailiffs, rights, home, property, mortgage, debt solutions, debt advice, debt help, OFT

Fees payable when continuing service is provided. Repaying debt over a longer period may increase the total amount to be repaid. Calls are recorded and are usually free from UK landlines. Mobile phone users may be charged and should check with their service provider. Cards are provided by third parties and are subject to eligibility, status and terms and conditions. Applicants must be UK residents aged 18 or over.