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filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Bailiffs are only allowed to try to come into your home between 6am and 9pm.
You shouldn't let a bailiff into your home - it’s always best to try to sort out your debt by keeping them outside and speaking through the door or over the phone.
Make sure your doors are locked - bailiffs are allowed to come in through unlocked doors. If you have a porch with a lockable door you should lock this too.
Depending on the kind of debt you owe, the bailiff will sometimes have the right to force entry by asking a locksmith to open your door if you won’t let them in. It’s very unlikely they’ll do this - you should still have the chance to pay without them coming in.
Call 999 if you're being physically threatened by a bailiff - don't let them into your home.
STEP ONE
The first thing to do when a bailiff arrives is to ask for proof of who they are and why they’re visiting.
If they say they're a 'debt collector' tell them to leave. They don't have the same powers as bailiffs and they have to go if you ask them to.
If they say they’re a bailiff or enforcement agent, ask them to show you a badge, ID card or ‘enforcement agent certificate’. All registered bailiffs have to carry proof of who they are.
They’ll also need to tell you which company they’re from and give you a telephone contact number for the head office.
Tell them to pass the documents through your letterbox or show you at a window. Their proof of identity will show their name and what kind of bailiff they are.
STEP TWO
The bailiff could have the right to force entry to your home or business if they’re collecting:
They’ll need to show you proof of what you owe and a 'warrant' or a document called a ‘writ’ from a court. Check any documents are signed and in date and have your correct name and address.
They aren't allowed to break down your door - they have to use 'reasonable force'. This means they'll have to come back with a locksmith who will unlock the door.
It’s very unlikely they’ll do this - you’ll usually still have time to make an offer to sort out the debt.
STEP THREE
f you decide to let them in and you can’t afford to pay what you owe straight away you’ll normally have to make a 'controlled goods agreement'.
This means you'll agree to a repayment plan and pay some bailiff fees.
STEP FOUR
If the bailiff is collecting any other kind of debt they aren't allowed to force entry.
This includes if they're collecting:
You have the right to keep them outside and talk through the closed door. Make sure everyone else in your home knows not to let them in.
Ask for a full breakdown of the debt they’re collecting and who the ‘creditor’ is - this is the person or company they say you owe money to. Tell them to pass any documents through the letter-box or under the door.
Check that any documents they give you are still in date and have your correct name and address.
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