A day in the life of an enforcement agent
Certain details have been modified slightly to maintain confidentiality.
As an Enforcement Agent, or Bailiff, as I’m more commonly known, I’m often asked what it is that I do exactly – and I must say that’s not a one-word answer, as frankly, no two days are the same! But here is a snapshot of just one typically busy day in 2025.
5:15 AM Alarm goes off – no snooze button today!
I shower then grab a quick slice of toast and a coffee while I check the day’s schedule. I lead a team of agents nationwide, but today it’s just me and another Enforcement Agent in the area heading out to relatively local jobs.
6:00 AM On the road to our first job
As Strikes provides both residential and commercial property services, I work on a huge variety of cases. We are kicking off today with a Forfeiture of Lease at a warehouse on an industrial estate. I pick up my colleague on route, and meet our locksmith on site, and together we run through the paperwork. This Forfeiture is relatively straightforward as it’s because of non-payment of rent, which means we will be carrying out a Peaceable Re-entry on behalf of the landlord.
7:00 AM – Commercial Forfeiture
We enter the warehouse and take possession of the premises, change the locks and then display the appropriate Forfeiture Notice in accordance with the law. We also prepare and display a Torts (Interference with Goods) Notice, giving the tenant and any third parties at least 14 days to arrange collection of goods left inside the property. We take photographs and complete an inventory for legal compliance. Once we’ve done this, the locksmith changes the locks and secures the property before I update the landlord and arrange to handover the keys.
9:00 AM – Residential eviction
Our next client is the landlord of a 2-bed terraced house. They have chosen the Strikes Platinum High Court Eviction Package, so we’re handling everything from start to finish.
I served the Notice of Eviction 14 days ago, but when we arrive, we find the tenant is obviously still in the property. I knock firmly and, when they answer, we show our ID badges, and I explain the process calmly and professionally. Emotions can run high, but we always respond with empathy. The tenant is upset but cooperative. I provide details of local housing support and allow an hour for them to collect essentials such as medication, mobile phones and clothing.
10:15 AM – The tenant has left the property
The Platinum High Court Eviction Package includes everything from paperwork through to a full inventory and inspection, so our Property Inspector comes to the site to take meter readings and document every detail of the property with photographs and descriptions – including everything left behind and any damage. We serve a Torts Notice for the remaining belongings and notify the tenant in writing, giving them a reasonable period (usually 14 days) to collect their goods before disposal.
11:30 AM – Complete the eviction process
Locks are changed, we do a final walkthrough, then complete and sign the paperwork. I call the landlord to confirm completion of the eviction and hand over the keys to them.
12:30 PM – A straight forward eviction
This time a Bronze County Court Eviction Package has been arranged by a solicitor. We attend the 4-bed detached property as the landlord’s representative, alongside the County Court Bailiff. In this case the property has already been vacated, so we secure it immediately, take photos, read meters and hand the keys over to the landlord.
1:30 PM – Lunchtime
Sit in the car with a sandwich and catch up with a senior Enforcement Agent on the team. They update me on the CRAR job they’ve been on at a jewellery shop in the Midlands. After serving the Notice of Enforcement and waiting the required 7 clear days, our Enforcement Agents attended on day 8 (today) and presented the warrant to the shop manager. Our team then took control of goods, equal to the outstanding rent and fees. Using the store’s inventory, they audited and photographed each item, logging serial numbers for high-value pieces like diamond necklaces and bespoke watches. They are careful not to seize consignment stock or personal items, and the tenant can request exemptions for essential tools. Once complete, the goods are secured under a Controlled Goods Agreement, legally preventing removal or sale, while giving the tenant a final chance to pay.
2:30 PM – On to a more challenging eviction
After lunch we drive to a 3-bed semi-detached house and find that the tenant has not only locked themselves in, but is also verbally aggressive. At the end of the day, whatever the circumstances, we know that it’s a tough situation for the tenant to find themselves in – so we stay calm and use our training to de-escalate the situation – we will never use physical force. After almost an hour of negotiation through a downstairs window, the tenant finally lets us in.
4:30 PM – The work’s not done yet
We allow the tenants an hour to gather their essentials before they leave, still hurling abuse. The landlord has selected the Gold County Court Eviction Package, so the Property Inspector returns to complete the inspection. The house is very badly damaged and strewn with the tenants’ belongings and rubbish. It takes almost 2 hours to document everything before we serve the Tort’s Notice.
6:30 PM – Hand over the keys to the landlord
The landlord is very relieved to receive the keys – this property belonged to a deceased family member, so it was particularly painful for them to see it in such a state. We spend some time chatting and walking them through the property.
It’s then back to base to complete reports and prepare tomorrow’s Notices of Eviction, starting the 14-day notice period for future cases.
So that’s a typical day in the life of an Enforcement Agent!
I hope you find this insightful. Despite what the TV might portray, Enforcement Agents don't relish evictions – they represent the final step in a long legal process, only undertaken when all other options have been exhausted. Emotional intelligence is perhaps the most underrated skill in our profession.
If you’re having issues with a tenant, please do get in touch with us to discuss your options.
