Bailiffs for Old Owners

ForLife

My neighbour tells me that while I was out at work today, two men dressed smartly and in a van turned up at my house and repeatedly knocked on the door and hung around. I think it's bailiffs for the old owners as I've been marking a lot of their post "return to sender, no longer at address" recently. I moved in 9 months ago.

So I'm prepared for if they come back, I've been looking on various forums on what to do. There are mixed opinions on whether or not to show ID to prove your not the debtor.

Can people suggest if I should show them some ID and if so which ID (council tax bill maybe?), or if I should just tell them I'm not the person they are looking for and to sod off :eek:? Any other advice for dealing with them?

Thanks for the help!

sourcrates

No harm in showing them whatever ID will prove your identity.

First ask for there ID, don't assume they are baillffs.

Do not let them in your property either, they can't break in, but could enter through an unlocked door.

Best to be vigilant until they are convinced your not the person they are looking for.

DawnW

I have had this happen in relation to both the previous occupants of my house, and the ones before that. I simply explained (on several occasions) that they had not lived here since (gave a date) and no, I didn't know where they lived now (to be honest I was so fed up by this time with all their issues, I would have told them had I known). They were fine about it, polite, didn't ask to be let in, didn't ask for ID. This can't be exactly uncommon, must happen a lot. Out of interest, I still get official looking letters addressed to members of one or the other of the previous families now and then, even though they moved out 6 and 9 years ago respectively. I just mark them not at this address, return to sender.

I would bow to Sourcrates superior knowledge though, and suggest you be aware, but try not to worry too much.

National_Debtline

Hi ForLife and welcome to MSE,


I would agree with Sourcrates about not letting bailiffs inside, as a precaution. They shouldn't be able to take any action against you or your belongings as you are not the liable person, but it is simpler to just not let them in. Most bailiffs only have the right of peaceful entry and even a magistrate court bailiff (who can force entry) will not do so very often at all.


You should ask them to verify who they are and what they are chasing. Show them proof of when you moved in (tenancy or mortgage document) and some ID to verify you are not the liable person and hopefully that should be the end of the matter. However, if they do not believe you or if they persist in visiting you then you can complain to the bailiff firm and consider escalating it to the trade body if necessary. Good luck,


Laura
@natdebtline

ForLife

Thanks Sourcrates, Dawn and Laura,

The advice and reassurance is much appreciated. I will make sure to have ID handy.

I will post here again with details of what happens when they turn up when I'm at home.