Just completed on a repossession - what to do about bailiffs?

papermoney

We completed on Friday :j

I know from the post (i've not opened it before anyone asks, just googled addresses) and know that the previous owners were in a lot of debt (we knew this anyway as the person is well know in our area).

What if bailiffs come knocking on the door? Do we just have to have ID handy (maybe a solicitors letter?) to prove who we are?

We don't actually live in the property yet. It is illegal to force entry isn't it?

Thanks

G_M

Yes.

By the way - you've bought a repossession: what did you expect?

vikingaero

First of all OPEN the mail. Before the pub lore people come along, it is not an offence to open post that has been delivered, unless you use the information/cards/cheques for pecuniary gain.

Second, decide how you want to deal with bailiffs, debt collection letters and phone calls if you resurrect the old phone line (I would ask BT for a new number). Are you happy to deal with bailiffs on the doorstep and to prove that you have just bought the place (you'll need to show them ID and probably your solicitors completion letters so keep a copy by the front door)?

If you want a quiet life then take each debtor and send them each a recorded delivery letter. You've got a computer to print out a template letter and just pay for some paper, envelopes and the RD fee.

When I bought my place a decade ago, the previous occupants were up to their neck in it. There wasn't much info on fending off bailiffs and debt collectors. I had a couple of meatheads appear at my door refusing to believe that I was not the debtor and it was only with the involvement of the Police that they were sent on their way.

papermoney

G_M wrote: »

Yes.

By the way - you've bought a repossession: what did you expect?

Oh don't get me wrong I expected them to be in debt and have bailiff orders etc, i'm just not sure what the legal standing is regarding me owning the house now. What ID I would need to show, as im assuming they will not just take my word for it verbally.

g_attrill

I open anything that comes through the door that looks important and have telephoned or emailed things which I think requires positive action from me. No debt collectors have asked for proof that I own the house, indeed they have all thanked me for informing them and I hear nothing more.

It's not up to you to prove that you aren't the person they are looking for (that would be impossible!), but having a council tax bill or a copy of the Land Registry document would be handy.

G_M

papermoney wrote: »

Oh don't get me wrong I expected them to be in debt and have bailiff orders etc, i'm just not sure what the legal standing is regarding me owning the house now. What ID I would need to show, as im assuming they will not just take my word for it verbally.

Get a copy of the Title deeds in your name from your conveyancer if you used one, or from the Land Registry for £4.

PasturesNew

Keep your passport handy and your house buying documents in a file by the front door.

papermoney

Thanks - we don't actually live in the property yet (it is across the road from our currently property) but there will be lots of tradesmen coming and going and they are no doubt going to leave doors open. It is obvious though that the house is not liveable.

GMS

I have bailiffs knocking on my office building quite often. Previos tenants did not pay the Business Rates.

They have all been fine with the 'Nothing to do with me' explanation. Offered business cards etc to prove but they have said not necessary.

Keep solicitors letters, land registry docs etc by all means but most bailiffs will be fine with an explanation.

If any problems are caused remember 3 numbers, 9-9-9

david29dpo

I open ALL letters to the previous owner and ring the sender up, never had a bailiff knock on the door yet.

pinkteapot

I had the same issue at a previous property. Got lots of letters threatening action from debt collectors. I opened them, phoned the company, and told them the person didn't live there and I had no forwarding details. They believe you. The letters then stop (ring them again and !!!!! if they don't!).

They actually believe you very easily. Surprised more people in debt don't just call and deny all knowledge of the person named on the letter.