Bailiff question;

Seanymph

if it's on the wrong board please could someone move it and redirect me?

We moved in three months or so ago. I assume the people who lived here only redirected their post for three months.

Today I received a 'letter' It was a computer generated one where you pull the sides off to unfold it, so I could read it through the paper - it looked official.

It is from an agency I think, but it says they owe over 3,500 pounds and if they don't respond within 72 hours they will 'attend the house to recover the money'.

Now I haven't opened it, because you can't, I'm only reading it by holding it to the window - and I have marked 'moved away' and will repost it today.

My question is what do I do if bailiffs come here? Do i have to let them in? CAN I let them in to show them documents proving I bought the house in July? How difficult will they be do you think?

I'm quite worried to be honest.

Ineedaname

You absolutely DO NOT have to let them in and should make every effort not to. Can you speak to them through a window and pass papers out that way?

I had debt collectors calling at one place I used to live, luckily it was an upstairs flat in a converted house so I often used to answer the door by opening the window. I just shouted down that the person they were looking for no longer lived there and I had been there for xx months. Nothing the collector could do and they went away.

Keep sending post back marked "no longer at this address" or "gone away" and it will eventually stop.

debt_doctor

Hi,

It is unlawful (as you say) to open someone elses post without 'reasonable excuse'. Reasonable excuse is not defined in the legislation, but could for example be were detriment could be caused to those now living at the address, or perhaps by a landlord trying to find a previous tenant who owes rent.
If the bailiffs turn up you should tell them that those they persue no longer live there, and that should be the end of the matter. Although really you shouldnt have to, it would be in your interests to have information to hand that links you with your address - a current council tax bill is always a good one plus photo driving licence.

DD

hallowitch

send it back with not at address new owner moved in

write a letter print it out keep it handy and if a Bailiff (most likely high court enforcement for a debt of that amount)turns up don't open the door pass it through the letterbox (try and record the visit/conversation)


To whom it may concern Mr xxxx was the previous owner of the above address any enforcement action which results in loss or damage to my property for the above named person at (write address)may/will result in an action of trespass against the person(s) responsible

Seanymph

Not feeling reassured here - even more worried! I knew I was right to be concerned.

Ineedaname

No need to be concerned at all. Just keep returning post. If you do open the door to a debt collector you still don't have to let them in and just need to say you are not who they are seeking and that person hasn't lived there for xxx period of time.

mandyl

no need to be concerned, if its not for you dont waste your time worrying

dojoman

There is nothing they can do to you as the debt has nothing to do with you, if they do turn up, which is very doubtful, just tell them (politely) to sling their hook if try it on with you.

alastairq

If a Court enforcement officer [bailiff] does call, I don't see that it matters if one opens the door to them, or even invited them in for a cuppa!

Providing the defaulted payment they are enforcing [for which they will have on them the Court's warrant?] is not against you or anyone living with you.....then their job is done.

I'd love for a Court Bailiff to start removing any of my property for someone else's debt....just imaging the compensation claim?


There seems to be a lot of urban myth surrounding bailiffs, debt collectors etc.

Too many people confuse one with the other...and I don't suppose for one moment debt collectors from a DCA mind one iota that they're confused with real Court bailiffs?

Perhaps it really is important we..[on here] do everything we can to discriminate between the two?

jayjay2910

bailiffs have no legal power to enter your property unless they have a court order to do so, go to http://www.bailiffadviceonline.co.uk/bailiff_facts.htm very helpful site and comes highly recommend on these forums.

Dont forget baliifs will try ever trick in the book to make you give in, i have had problems recently with them, they have hand delvierd various letters telling me a complete pack of lies, such as we are coming back to remove everything you own, whether you are in or not, we will call the police to help break in to your property, and the usual scare tactics, thanks to the helpful people on these boards, i know my right and will happily laugh at the bailiff through the upstair window or letter box telling him to go take a long walk of a very very very short pier holding a breezeblock lol

Seanymph

Oh well I don't know if it's a debt collector or a bailiff. I suspect, if there is a difference then it's a debt collector.

I think it was a Barclaycard debt, and the recovery agency was in Kent - they said if they didn't hear within 72 hours someone would come to the house, so it's not a court paper, just a letter.

So, if it's a debt collector do I stand in the same place - throw paperwork out of the window