
What Can You Do If A Bailiff Comes To Your Home?
If you are unable to pay your creditors and the debt has been turned over to the courts to be enforced – for instance, if a County Court Judgment (CCJ) has been granted – then bailiffs may be instructed to seize goods from your home in order to satisfy the judgement. They can also be used to execute certain arrest warrants or to repossess your home if you default on payments.
Before they can take any action, bailiffs must first receive instructions from a warrant that details the amount of money that is owed. You are not required to let bailiffs into your home or place of business, and they are not permitted to enter your home between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. They are only allowed to use “peaceable means” to gain entry into a property on their first visit; they are not allowed to use force in any way. They can enter through a door, a gate, and a garage that is attached. On the other hand, they can not enter your home through a window, by climbing over the walls or by entering locked gates.
What Options Do I Have If I Receive A Notice Stating That A Bailiff Will Be Coming To My Residence?
If you have a bailiff come to your home, there are a few things you can do:
- If you have received a Notice of enforcement informing you that a bailiff is going to call at your house, you may be able to negotiate some sort of repayment to the lender (your creditor) before they call.
- Make sure you are aware of who your creditor is, as it’s possible that the person who initially extended credit to you has already sold the debt to a debt collection agency. You also have the option of asking the court to put a hold on the bailiff’s action by filing a motion on your behalf.
- Make sure that you know who the bailiff is and what their role is.
- Be respectful and try to keep any arguments or disagreements down to a minimum.
- Try to be as cooperative as possible.
- If necessary, ask the bailiff for written documentation or proof of their authority before they leave.
- Make sure that you have all of your important documents on hand in case the bailiff needs them to take legal action against you. Keep copies of all documents and paperwork related to the court order or visit in personation proceeding.
- Be prepared to answer any questions the bailiff has about your case or your home.
- Be polite and respectful. You should greet the bailiff with a smile and offer any assistance you can. Make sure not to raise your voice or argue with the bailiff.
- Don’t resist or obstruct the bailiff. If you refuse to sign a document, for example, don’t try to push the bailiff away or hide behind furniture. Simply sign the document and let the process continue as normal.
How To Avoid Having The Bailiffs Enter Your Property, Especially On Their Initial Visit?
Here are a few steps that you can take to prevent bailiffs from entering your home:
- Don’t let them in by opening the door for them. If you have a door chain, you should use it and lock it from the inside.
- Inform your family members about the visit so that they won’t let the guests in; otherwise, this would be considered a “peaceable entry.”
- Even if you lock your door and then decide to let the bailiff in so that you can speak with them, you are not obligated to allow them entry into your home (if they have not previously entered).
- They may make an attempt to enter, but if you maintain your position, they will not be able to push their way past you (if collecting unpaid criminal fines, Income Tax or VAT, they are allowed to do so).
- Even if they return, they will undoubtedly come back at some point in the future. This problem won’t go away easily. So, the best thing for you to do in the long run is to get some assistance with it. Don’t worry, you are not alone in this problem. Reach out to us at Bailiff Help Now, to get guidance from experts right away!
Wrapping Up
Seeing a bailiff visiting your home can be very stressful and dealing with them can get tough at times. In this blog, we have discussed some steps that you can take as a bailiff visits your home. And if you are looking for further assistance then don’t hesitate from taking bailiff help from us. Reach out to us at Bailiff Help Now and let us support you in this problem!