Reclaiming High Bailiffs Fees

It is the practice of High Court enforcement companies to charge all the fees up front before doing any work and leave it to debtors to challenge them after enforcement has taken place.

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This relies on debtors being less-informed of the regulations, and when debtors complain about high bailiff’s fees, they are fobbed off with excuses until the debtor gives up their complaint.

We can help you challenge and recover high bailiffs fees and you don’t need a solicitor!

If a bailiff has demanded or taken too much, then you have a right to redress. It is called a Detailed Assessment.

The law is Civil Procedure Rule 84.16, and the application is made at the High Court in London and heard before a Costs Judge.

You don't even need to tell the bailiff company!

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Gather Evidence

Before applying, gather the following information, we call these "exhibits".

• A copy of the original judgment, showing the judgment address, judgment date and the judgment amount.

• Evidence or document from the bailiff showing the money demanded, or money taken.

• The address and date the bailiff made the demand.

• Evidence of the flow of money taken by the bailiff and the date(s) they took it.

Using this information, we can calculate the correct amount owing (or the amount they owe you!) and give you the procedure to bring an application for a detailed assessment.

You don’t need a solicitor to recover any money taken, and you can recover your costs as a litigant in person from the errant bailiff company!

If you want a solicitor to represent you, we can refer you to a solicitor who will do all the work for you.

The bailiffs could owe you thousands, - and you get interest from the date the money was taken!

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Applying to Court

Apply to the High Court at room E07 (listing office). Include in triplicate, your application, exhibits and a draft order. The listings office will list your application before a Costs Judge. Always prepare your summary costs and hand it to the judge before the end of the hearing.

When you have the order, you must give, or "serve" it on the bailiff company together with your bank details to enable them to pay you any money they owe together with your costs.