All Guides
Comprehensive, step-by-step functionality for every difficult situation.
What happens if HMRC freezes my bank account?
HMRC has two ways to stop your cash: Civil debt collection (DRD) or Criminal investigation (AFO). Know which one you are facing and how to protect your living costs.
What happens if I receive a Section 21 notice?
A Section 21 'No Fault' notice is the start of a long legal process, not the end of your tenancy. You do not have to leave on the notice date, and many notices are legally invalid.
What happens if I stop paying my energy bills?
Stopping energy payments triggers a series of escalations from the supplier, including forced prepayment meters and potentially CCJs. However, there are strict protections for vulnerable people.
What happens if my benefits are stopped?
Having benefits stopped or sanctioned creates an immediate financial crisis. Understanding whether it's a 'sanction' or an 'administrative stop' is the key to getting your money back.
What happens if I ignore a County Court claim form?
Ignoring a court claim is the fastest way to get a CCJ. You lose the right to defend yourself and the creditor can use bailiffs or take money from your wages immediately.
What happens if I don't respond to a letter from HMRC?
Ignoring HMRC is dangerous. They can 'determine' (guess) your tax bill and charge daily penalties for silence.
What happens if I'm taken to court for debt?
A Court Claim (CCJ) is serious, but you have 14 days to respond. Ignoring it guarantees you lose.
What happens if my landlord sells the property?
A landlord selling does NOT mean you have to leave immediately. You often have the right to stay as a 'Sitting Tenant' until your contract ends.
What happens if I don't pay my TV licence?
It is a criminal offence, but it is not a 'recordable' one. You face a fine of up to £1,000 (plus costs), but you CANNOT go to prison just for not paying.
What happens if I'm reported to HMRC?
Being reported for tax evasion is stressful. HMRC's 'Connect' system will analyse your data. If you have undeclared income, telling them BEFORE they investigate reduces penalties significantly.
What happens if I miss a Council Tax payment?
If you miss a payment, the council sends a reminder. If you don't pay within 7 days, you lose the right to pay by instalments and the full year becomes due.
What happens if I miss a Credit Card payment?
Missing a credit card payment triggers a snowball of interest and fees. If ignored for 3-6 months, specific markers like 'Defaults' are added to your credit file, preventing you from getting mortgages or loans for 6 years.
What happens if I ignore debt collectors?
Debt collectors are NOT bailiffs. They have no special power to enter your home or take goods. But ignoring them can lead to a CCJ, which is serious.
What happens if I'm made redundant?
Being made redundant is a legal process with strict rules about your payout and notice. You are likely entitled to statutory redundancy pay and key protections.
What happens if I miss a mortgage payment?
A missed mortgage payment triggers immediate letters from your lender, but you have huge legal protections. Repossession is a last resort and often takes over 12 months.
What happens if I receive a Single Justice Procedure notice?
SJP notices are used for 'minor' offences like TV licence evasion or speeding. One magistrate can convict you in private without you being in court.
What happens if I miss a benefits appointment?
Missing a Universal Credit or Jobcentre appointment leads to a 'Sanction'. This means they cut your money for a set period (often 7 - 91 days) until you re-engage.
What happens if bailiffs turn up at my door?
Don't panic. Bailiffs (Enforcement Agents) have less power than you think. In most cases, they CANNOT force entry into your home. The most important rule is: DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR.
What happens if I miss rent?
Missing rent puts you at risk of eviction. If you reach 2 months of arrears, the landlord can use 'Mandatory Ground 8' to evict you, and the court has no choice but to agree.
What happens if I break my tenancy early?
Leaving a fixed-term tenancy early without a 'Break Clause' can be expensive. You usually have to pay rent until a new tenant is found, plus the landlord's re-letting fees.
What happens if I can't pay my bills?
Not all debts are equal. Some 'Priority Debts' can make you homeless or lead to prison, while others just affect your credit rating. If you are in calm, you must pay the Priority Debts first.
What happens if I don't file a Tax Return?
HMRC penalties are severe and automatic. A simple £100 fine can escalate to over £1,600 within 6 months due to daily penalties. Ignoring HMRC is the most expensive mistake you can make.
What happens if I don't declare income?
HMRC now uses the 'Connect' AI system to find undeclared income from eBay, Airbnb, and bank data. Penalties range from 0% (if you tell them first) to 100% + Prison (if they catch you).
What happens if I calculate tax but pay late?
Filing on time is good, but paying late still costs money. You face interest (BoE + 2.5%) plus a 5% surcharge if you are 30 days late. Another 5% hits at 6 months.
What happens if I don't pay a Parking Ticket?
Private parking tickets are different from Council PCNs. Council tickets are law; private tickets are contracts. Never ignore a Council ticket, but ensure private ones are actually valid.
What happens if I ignore a Speeding Fine?
Speeding penalties are calculated based on your speed vs the limit (Band A/B/C) and your weekly income. Ignoring the 'Notice of Intended Prosecution' is a separate, more serious offence.
What happens if I quit my job without notice?
Leaving without notice (breach of contract) allows your employer to deduct extra costs from your final pay. However, they cannot force you to work, and bad references are less common than you think.
What happens if I fail probation at work?
Failing probation usually leads to dismissal. Because you have served less than 2 years, you generally cannot claim 'Unfair Dismissal', but you ARE entitled to notice pay and accrued holiday.
What happens if I'm dismissed for misconduct?
Dismissal for misconduct can be immediate ('Summary Dismissal' for Gross Misconduct) or after warnings. You have the right to a fair process and potentially an appeal.
What happens if I don't turn up to work?
Unauthorised absence (AWOL) usually triggers a disciplinary process. You are not paid for the time off, and if you disappear for long enough, it can be treated as resignation.
What happens if I don't update my address?
Forgetting to update your V5C (Logbook) is the #1 cause of 'Ghost CCJs'. A £2.50 toll charge can turn into a £500 bailiff visit just because you didn't receive the letter.
What happens if I’m accused of benefit fraud?
A guide for those accused of benefit fraud - from initial letters to interviews under caution and potential court action.
What happens if we break up (and aren't married)?
The truth about 'Common Law Marriage', your rights to the home, and how to protect your assets under TOLATA and the Children Act.
What happens if my landlord enters without permission?
Your rights to 'Quiet Enjoyment', how to stop landlord harassment, and when you can claim Rent Repayment Orders.
What happens to debt when you die?
A guide to 'Insolvent Estates', inherited debt myths, and the Order of Payment.
What happens if I can't pay my Car Finance (PCP)?
How to use 'Voluntary Termination' to return your car, clear the debt, and avoid damage charges.
What happens if I am a Guarantor (and they stop paying)?
Strategies to challenge a guarantee, understand 'Indemnity' clauses, and limit your liability.
What happens if I get a CCJ (County Court Judgment)?
Understanding the 30-day grace period, how to get a CCJ 'Set Aside', and stopping bailiffs at the door.
What happens if I don't pay Council Tax?
Why the Council has more power than banks, the 'Liability Order', and the real risk of prison for 'Willful Refusal'.
What happens if my bank account is frozen?
Dealing with 'Account Review', POCA investigations, and how to survive while locked out of your cash.
What happens if I never pay off my Student Loan?
Why your debt will eventually vanish. Understanding 'Write-Off' dates, Plan 1/2/5 differences, and why ignoring it is often the best strategy.
What happens if I drive without insurance?
The consequences of an IN10 conviction: 6-8 points, £300+ fine, vehicle seizure, and the risk of license revocation for new drivers.