If you are not sure what type of debt you have, you should check your credit agreement. If you do not have your credit agreement you should contact your lender and ask them.

Agreements and the terms and conditions that go with them are important documents.

If the debt is regulated by the Consumer Credit Act, you are entitled to a copy of these documents on request.

Write to your creditors, enclosing a cheque or postal order for £1. Ask for a copy of your credit agreement, terms and conditions and a statement of account. State you are exercising your right under section 77-79 of the Consumer Credit Act.

Send the letter by recorded delivery. The creditor then has twelve working days to reply.

Most personal debts are regulated under the Consumer Credit Act 1974.  The Consumer Credit Act sets out the rules which state the rights for both the lender and the borrower. As a borrower you benefit from many rights and protections under a regulated agreement.

There are some debts that are not regulated under the Consumer Credit Act. These are some examples of non-regulated agreements:

• An agreement providing £25,000 or more credit which was signed before 6th April 2008 (or £15,000 if signed before 1st May 1998)
• A mortgage
• A small agreement less than £50
• Some low-interest agreements such as student loans
• Services intended to be repaid in one amount, such as charge cards
• Credit agreements of £25,000 or more signed after 6th April 2008 where the debt was wholly or primarily for business use

Please call our Helpline on 0800 138 1111 if you need any further advice or information.