Partner's debt and bailiffs?

littlepinkstars44

So I stayed at my boyfriend's last night, he went off to work this morning and I spent a nice lazy morning watching day time tv (my well deserved day off work)

Anyway 2 bailiffs showed up at the door, I did not answer it as it's not my house, but they put a letter through the door stating who they were and what they were there for etc and no doubt they will be back.
BUT
A lot of the stuff in the flat belongs to, or was paid for by me. So can they actually take those things?
I also have a lot of small pets living there (hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils etc) They are mine, I pay for all their things but they just live there as my mum won't let me have any pets at her house. But they do have VERY expensive cages, toys, food etc. As I like to spoil them and I can afford to.

I'm really quite scared about whats going to happen, as I won't be back up there till the weekend now. Do I need to show proof that these things belong to me, or will they just take them anyway as they are in that address?

Westminster

I'm only speaking from knowledge of the various Bailiff programmes so I am sure someone more authoritative will be along soon but my understanding is this:

They will need to see evidence of your ownership of anything inside the property (receipts / bank statements etc).

They can't take any tools of business.

If it were me, I would remove as many items of value (his and yours) from the property.

I would be very surprised if they tried to take animals or their cages / food etc. Perhaps your mum would agree to a short term visit from the animals?

littlepinkstars44

Thanks Westminster, sadly thats not an option as there really is no where to put them at my mums. They take up the entire spare room at my boyfriend's flat as it is lol!

I have receipts for a couple of things, the tv, storage units, ps4, etc. Apart from that there really is nothing of value in the flat. Only books, dvds, a 2 seater sofa that's falling apart, fridge and cooker. Will make sure to keep the receipts at his flat for when they come back.

fatbelly

OK, let's not take too much notice of TV programmes that are for entertainment not education.

You did the right thing in ignoring them.

A few questions.

Have you had chance to discuss this with your boyfriend? What debt is this relating to? Which firm of bailiffs is this? Does your boyfriend have other debts?

fierystormcloud

Bailiffs cannot take anything that belongs to you.

But you will generally have to prove it is yours.

bargainbetty

I'd get down there and take all my stuff back - store it in your room, or find a storage unit to keep it in until your BF has sorted the matter out. Your mum might be willing to let you keep the pets in your room until things are dealt with if you explain the situation.

Have you discussed it with him? For it to have reached this stage, he has probably ignored a fairly large amount of communication from the creditor, and I'd be wary of that when considering any financial links with him.

National_Debtline

Hi

I notice that your profile location says Glasgow so I presume they are sheriff officers rather than bailiffs if your boyfriend also lives in Scotland, but they’re effectively the same thing.

They shouldn’t take your belongings but you may need to prove ownership. It’s rare for a sheriff officer to be able to force entry into your home anyway as they would need an ‘exceptional attachment order’ which aren’t often granted as far as I know.

I suggest that you just don’t let them in for now and keep your home secure. It’s worth getting your boyfriend to contact us so we can go through some advice on his options for dealing with this situation.

James
@natdebtline

Westminster

Another thought as we are moving house soon, I found quite a few storage companies let you have the first 4 weeks for free (and no charge if you remove your stuff before then) - this could be an option not only for your things but also the animals in their cages?

dealer_wins

I would suggest getting a new boyfriend

Herbie21

A bailiff would only be able to take goods if he were allowed into your boyfriend's property. The fact of the matter is that unless the door was left unlocked a bailiff would only be able to gain entry by invitation (not to be suggested).

As advised by others, your boyfriend needs to be made aware of the visit.

Zoology_Dragon

Westminster wrote: »

Another thought as we are moving house soon, I found quite a few storage companies let you have the first 4 weeks for free (and no charge if you remove your stuff before then) - this could be an option not only for your things but also the animals in their cages?

I've never used a storage facility that allowed live animals to be stored.