Will they take away your phone, laptop, and household appliances during bankruptcy?

One of the most common fears in bankruptcy is: "They will come to my house and take everything away — from the TV to the smartphone." In practice, things look different. There is Article 446 of the Civil Procedure Code of the Russian Federation, which clearly limits the list of items that cannot be touched.

1. Smartphone: Personal Item or Luxury?

By law, essential items and personal belongings (clothing, footwear) are not subject to seizure. In 2026, for many people, a smartphone has become a means of communication necessary for work and interaction with government agencies.

• How it works: If you have an ordinary mid-range phone, it is unlikely to interest the financial trustee — the costs of its valuation and auctioning will exceed its value.


• Exception: The latest iPhone models or expensive flagship smartphones may be recognized as luxury items..

2. Laptop and Computer: How to Keep Them?

If you need a computer for professional activities (for example, you work remotely, do programming or accounting), it cannot be seized if its value does not exceed 10 000 rubles.

By law (Article 446 of the Code of Civil Procedure of the Russian Federation), property necessary for professional activities valued at up to 10,000 rubles is exempt from seizure.

• What happens if a laptop is worth 50,000–100,000 rubles? In such a case, the financial manager assesses the advisability of selling it. If the equipment is used, selling it at auction—after deducting costs for the sale, publication in the Unified Federal Register of Legally Significant Information (EFRSB), and platform commissions—is often not economically viable. A lawyer can help file a motion with the court to exclude the laptop from the bankruptcy estate.


• Tip: Prepare proof in advance that the equipment is your working tool (diplomas, certificates, remote work employment contract).

3. Home Appliances: Refrigerator, Stove, Washing Machine

Here the law is 100% on your side. A refrigerator, gas or electric stove, and basic plumbing are what provide minimum living conditions. They will never be taken.

And what is at risk?

• Second and third TVs in the house.
• Expensive gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox).
• Professional hobby equipment (for example, expensive machinery in the garage) unless you prove it is your primary source of income.

4. Personal Advice: Don't Hide Equipment with Neighbors

The biggest mistake is starting to frantically move items out of your home. This can be viewed as hiding property. It is much easier and wiser to make a list of equipment in advance and prepare arguments for why it belongs to essential items.

Will court bailiffs come to the house?

The main misconception among debtors is the fear of a visit from bailiffs. Once bankruptcy proceedings are initiated, all enforcement proceedings are suspended, and asset seizures are lifted. Bailiffs lose the right to come to your home.

The financial manager is responsible for inventorying the assets. In the vast majority of cases, the verification is conducted based on official responses from state registries (such as the traffic police, Rosreestr, and GIMS). In practice, home visits to inspect household appliances occur extremely rarely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Property Inventory

Remember: The goal of bankruptcy is to free you from debt, not to leave you in an empty apartment without communication. Most household items remain with the owner.

In doubt whether your property will fall under inventory? Write to me, and we will analyze your case individually.

«Besides preserving property, many are concerned about how to allocate budget during trial» >>>