Debt collectors are coming to my home...!

SideWinder

SideWinder

SideWinder

Consigliere
Joined
12 Jun 2004
Posts
151,030
Location
SW17
...for a bloke who doesn't live here. :confused:

I live in a rented student house and got a letter through the door, no stamp, just said 'Hand delievered at 06.55'. The letter is bright red from JBW saying a bloke owes £365 to them and they want it.

'Final notice before removal of goods'...never nice words. :eek:

So what is the best plan of action? Where do i stand legally? Is it down to the name of the guy or actually the house?
 
I've not been in a situation such as this but I think my first thought would be to pop down to the police station to get some advice...
 
Police station? Really? I know there is a rule saying they can't force their way in or something? I intend to call the landlord tomorrow as well...its his house.
 
I would say ring up the non emergency police line, but there'd be nobody in right now. Or you could try in the morning and hope that they don't come.

Either that - have your ID's ready.
 
:eek:

So they may come tomorrow?

Will have to text landlord in the morning then...as he has our proof of who we are. Half of us have gone home so no ID for them...
 
SideWinder said:
...for a bloke who doesn't live here. :confused:

I live in a rented student house and got a letter through the door, no stamp, just said 'Hand delievered at 06.55'. The letter is bright red from JBW saying a bloke owes £365 to them and they want it.

'Final notice before removal of goods'...never nice words. :eek:

So what is the best plan of action? Where do i stand legally? Is it down to the name of the guy or actually the house?
Click to expand...

Is there a number on the notice you can call?
 
Police probably won't be interested as it is a civil matter and not a criminal one. Do the following:

1) Phone them and tell them the guy doesn't live there now (they will probably ignore this).

2) DO NOT let them in under any circumstances and whatever they say. Once they have entered the property then can force their way in later. If you do not let them in then they cannot force their way in without a court order.

3) When they arrive show them your tenancy agreement (or similar proof that you now live there and he doesn't). But DO NOT let them in.

In asnwer to your quewstion the debt is with the guy, not the house.
 
doubt they'll even come, ive had at 35+ letters/phone calls from abbey saying there sending bailiff's around, even telling the very rude women on other side of phone "to get on we it"

no one as come round once in 1 n half years this as been going on :)
 
Close all your windows as well. Apparently bailiffs are allowed to enter properties via non forceful ways, and that includes going through an open window.
 
Thanks for the tips. My housemate has a brainwave - we have a council tax form with all our names on it saying we are don't have to pay as we are students...should do the trick?
 
Yep call them. I had a similar situation once with a council tax escape artist. Just explain
you're not liable and mention the date you moved in, give as much info as possible and if possible tell them as much as you can about the individual mentioned.
 
SideWinder said:
Thanks for the tips. My housemate has a brainwave - we have a council tax form with all our names on it saying we are don't have to pay as we are students...should do the trick?
Click to expand...

Should do fine if it's dated, more importantly you should have a tenancy agreement with the date you moved in. Talk to your landlord.
 
I wouldnt worry about it mate, as has been said the debt is with the guy not the house or its current occupants. If you ring the number ASAP and explain he doesnt live there that should be enough.

If they do come round just remember not be confrontational with them, just explain calmly they dont live there. Remember they are just normal people and have no special powers.

I dont know what the legitamcy of the claims that if you let them in once they can force entry next time etc.
 
Guy, your avatar says 142,738 posts, if this is true? then I can understand why you post here first, even if its the wrong port of call.

If you have such a demand, there will be a contact number or address to reply to, and that wont be OcUK GD forums.

Trust me on this.

;)

Its a mistake, it will be fine ... but deal with it though.

Oh ... and i never meant, deal with it in a harsh sort of way, just dont let it go or bury your head in the sand, mistakes like these happen all the time.

Just deal with it like any other matter in day to day life.
 
Last edited:
M31 said:
Guy, your avatar says 142,738 posts, if this is true? then I can understand why you post here first, even if its the wrong port of call.

If you have such a demand, there will be a contact number or address to reply to, and that wont be OcUK GD forums.

Trust me on this.

;)

Its a mistake, it will be fine ... but deal with it though.
Click to expand...

Charity auction.

I am aware of the what the letter has as i am looking at it. I was asking for advice besides the obvious.

Trust me on this.

;)
 
J.B said:
I dont know what the legitamcy of the claims that if you let them in once they can force entry next time etc.
Click to expand...

Its different between Scotland and England as I recall, but this is straying from the subject.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom