Bailiff Bonds

The Law of Distress Amendment Act 1888 created certificated bailiffs and the certificates represent a form of licensing or qualification for bailiffs.  This certificate, which is granted by the court, permits a bailiff to enforce arrears of rent and since 1992 the UK government has restricted the enforcement of other types of court order and debt to certified bailiffs.  These other orders and debts include council tax, non-domestic rates and parking penalties.

A certificate is given to a person who, in the view of the court,  is a 'fit and proper' person to levy distress (seize movable property).  In order to obtain a certificate, the bailiff must lodge with the court a bond or other security to the value of £10,000.

To apply for a Zurich bailiff bond please complete our application form and return it to us with the supplementary documentation requested in the form.

You can download a copy of our application form.