Bailiffs and debt

Trudy_jane

I made a complaint against an estate agent who marketed my house.  The Property Ombudsman advised not to pay the outstanding bill.  I wrote to the agent, offered to pay a sum towards the bill as a gesture until the Ombudsman had looked at my complaint.  They didn’t reply, I never received any letters so I (wrongly) assumed they followed the ombudsman’s advice.
ive had a neighbour call, with a load of letters from court and bailiffs.  The estate agent have given the court the wrong house number, I’ve NEVER lived in that house.  They’ve addressed everything to number 18…..I live in number 26.
The bailiff letter says I had until may to pay.  Obviously I never received anything.  Number 18 was unoccupied until recently, so all post has been lying there.
im absolutely terrified.  The owner of number 18 said someone called for me at her house yesterday.  She sent him over to me, but we were out.
I was following the advice of the ombudsman.  The estate agents knew that, and didn’t reply when I offered to pay something.  I can’t stress enough I’ve never lived at number 18.
what do I do? I’m absolutely terrified 
thank you 

Trudy_jane

Also…..if a bailiff calls again, are they allowed to take things from me at this house when all the paperwork is for the wrong address?
I will of course call everyone necessary in the morning…..I’m just very anxious 

fatbelly

It sounds like High Court Enforcement to me.

The basic rule for bailiffs of any flavour is to not let them access your 'goods'. So you don't open the door but talk to them through a window or letterbox. Keep doors locked, park car somewhere away from where you live.

They are not allowed to force access unless it's for a criminal fine, which this isn't.

Your estate agent has used the classic trick of getting a ccj by sending the claim to the wrong address, then getting bailiffs to attend the right one.

This case still needs to be heard by a court so you should apply for set-aside so that process can start.

https://www.nationaldebtline.org/fact-sheet-library/setting-aside-a-ccj-ew/

sourcrates

Agree with FB, keep them outside, with doors locked, as they can make peaceful entry through an unlocked door, don`t be swayed by what they say, if they can`t get inside your house, there is nothing they can do however much they may say otherwise.

The last thing they want to do is take your second hand goods, they want payment, nothing but payment (you must have seen the TV show ?) they can only seize goods if they gain access, so its imperative you keep them outside.

You should have a reasonable chance of a successful set aside, there is a fee, but remission is available for low earners.