Will debt collectors come to my house?

If you have been struggling with debt, the thought of debt collectors coming to your house can be a real worry. It always helps to know the facts - and your rights - in any given situation.

Lenders are very unlikely to call in debt collectors if you miss one payment. An external debt collector will usually only be called if your lenders can't reach an agreement with you - or they think they will be unable to reach an agreement with you for some time. At this point they might employ a debt collector to get the money for them, or they may sell the debt to a debt collector. This means that you would owe money to the debt collector, and not the original lender.

If you need advice on talking to your lenders, click here.

What happens if they come to my house?

Although this thought can be intimidating, it is important to remember that debt collectors are required to follow a strict code of conduct. They are not bailiffs, so they do not have the legal power to force entry into your home - or pretend to be bailiffs.

Debt collectors can only come into your home if you have given them permission to. They are required to tell you the date and time that they will visit you. They are also required to make it clear who they are and why they are contacting you, and provide information about your debt. They must be clear about what action is being taken against you.

When they are in your home, they are required to leave the property if you ask them to. Unlike bailiffs, they are not allowed to gain entry to your house through an open door or window without your permission. They are not allowed to intimidate, threaten or harass you in an attempt to force you to repay what you owe.

How will I repay my debt?

It is often best to contact your debt collector or original lender, and make it clear that you intend to pay back the debt. Work out how much you can afford to pay towards your debts each month and offer this. Do not feel as though you should offer to pay more than you can afford - this could just leave you in the same situation somewhere down the line. If your lenders can see that this is all you can afford to pay - and this is the best way for them to get their money back - they are more likely to agree.

If you are not sure what to do, seek professional debt advice. They may be able to help you reach an agreement with your lenders - or recommend a debt solution that could help.

If you would like to know more about debt solutions, click here.

Image © iStockPhotos / ilbusca

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

• Talking to debt collectors
• Debt Collection: what help is available?
• Who are debt collectors? What can they do?
• Debt collection: what are my rights?
• Talking to creditors - repayment plans
• Debt management - can it stop the bailiffs visiting?
• What is statute-barred debt?

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

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.