Why it matters
What Bailiff (County Court Bailiff / High Court Enforcement Officer) means for a landlord
The bailiff stage is where landlords lose the most time, because it is the part no amount of preparation speeds up: waiting times depend on the local court, not on the strength of your case. The temptation once the date in the order has passed is to deal with it yourself. Doing so is unlawful eviction under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, a criminal offence that can mean up to two years’ imprisonment on indictment, plus damages and exposure to a Rent Repayment Order. Holding a court order does not change that.
Worked example
How it plays out
Sarah wins a possession order in June for a house in Leicester, with possession due in 14 days. The tenant stays. Sarah applies for a warrant of possession, and the county court bailiff sends the tenant notice of the eviction date. On the day, the bailiff attends and Sarah’s locksmith changes the locks under the bailiff’s authority. She had resisted changing the locks herself when the 14 days ran out, which would have been an unlawful eviction.
Common mistakes
Where landlords go wrong
- 01Changing locks or removing belongings once the date in the order passes.
- 02Waiting weeks after the order date before applying for the warrant.
- 03Assuming a High Court enforcement officer can be used without the court’s permission.
What to do
A short checklist
- Apply for the warrant as soon as the date in the order has passed.
- Arrange a locksmith to attend with the bailiff.
- Keep contact with the tenant in writing, without pressure or threats.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 16 September 2026. A guide to the rules in England, not legal advice: for a dispute or a possession claim, speak to a solicitor.
