This information applies to England, Wales

The first thing to do is to try and negotiate with the company. Even if you can't pay the debt in full, you could try to agree a set amount to pay weekly or monthly.

If you cannot come to an agreement with the company, they will need to get a warrant of execution from the courts before they can send in the bailiffs to remove property from your home in payment of your debt. If they already have the warrant, you should apply to the court to have it suspended.

If the bailiffs arrive, you do not have to let them in and they cannot generally force their way in. However, they are allowed into your property without your permission if they can enter without breaking in. This is called 'gaining peaceful entry' and includes getting in through an open window, or a closed but unlocked door.

Bailiffs are not allowed to take basic clothing, bedding, furniture or household goods, and any goods they do take will be sold at auction in order to pay off your debt.

The rules about bailiffs are complicated, and it is always sensible to get advice from a specialist adviser. For more information, see Help with debt or, in England and Wales, look at our fact sheet on Bailiffs in Credit and debt fact sheets.

Other Frequently asked questions about debt:

• My debts are out of control. What can I do?
• I have been refused credit to buy a new washing machine. What can I do?
• How can I stop myself  getting into debt?
• Someone used my credit card - what can I do?
• My identity has been stolen - what should I do?