Baliffs and my rights?

hannah899

Hello, I don't know if this is the right place to post so please forgive me if im wrong.

I live in a house with very close friends ( we are more like family) And the only finances that are shared are bills. One person moved out a few months ago but has had some debts for years. We have had companys drilling out the house phone and ive answered and told them he no longer lives at this address. I have some mental health issues and cant really deal with it. ive tried not to let it bother me but now im getting phone messages saying the baliffs are going to come round. What are my rights if this person is no longer here? some of his post still comes but not one item in my house is his? I know if you open the door they can come in but I don't know what else to do or can do. I don't talk on the phone unless its to close family. so I cant ring them up and since the message they haven't rung back. Please if any one has any advice I will be much appreciative.

matttye

They can't force their way past you in the doorway unless it's for a criminal debt. So if he's being chased for civil debts, just block the doorway and don't let the bailiff in.

Do you know where he's gone? If you could tell them WHERE he's gone, they might leave you alone.

hannah899

He told us just the area. he has a few debts but they aren't criminal im not sure if the issued ccjs yet but someone said that they had to take him to court but I don't know if they have or not as he doesn't say. he just turns up every so often to pick up his post.

matttye

hannah899 wrote: »

He told us just the area. he has a few debts but they aren't criminal im not sure if the issued ccjs yet but someone said that they had to take him to court but I don't know if they have or not as he doesn't say. he just turns up every so often to pick up his post.

They're probably just threats at this point. A lot of companies threaten people with bailiffs long before they actually take court action.

I wouldn't worry too much. Just keep reiterating the fact he doesn't live there.

hannah899

ok thanks. I hope it is just threats. and I hope they listen

happy_bunny_2

Hi,

When-they left a message, did they leave their company name?

Be a bit wary about speaking to these people, even though not your debt they may well make your life difficult.

Once you get the company name, write them a signed for letter explaining that they no longer live there and if the continue to phone or threaten to visit you will be reporting them to the OFT for harassment of someone who is not the debtor.

Also make it clear that you have some mental health issues and as you are not the debtor its wholly unreasonable to keep calling.

Only other thing I can think of is to put his post back in the post box with not known at this address or tell him to change his address, but that might not be an option you think you can take.

Good luck

HB

hannah899

I will do that. thanks.

chevalier

Whilst the phone calls are upsetting, they are only a symptom of the problem.

You (and your other housemates) need to sit down your ex house mate and tell him the hassle he is causing you. He needs to man up and get the addresses changed.

I would suggest giving him a month to do this, and then say that after this it will be getting returned to sender.
good luck
chev

hannah899

Thanks. I've managed to get in touch so now to just wait and see. Its just frustrating that I've lived within my means and not got into debt but I have to deal with someone else's agro.