No one wants to have that knock on the door and realise that bailiffs have come to claim your assets, but for a lot of people, the panic takes over and you blindly assume that you must do exactly as the bailiffs say. This is not the case. You have rights, and it’s important that you understand them if you are ever in this situation.
Bailiffs do NOT have the right to enter your home or business premises and there is nothing stopping you from talking to them through the door or a window. Unless they have a signed writ or warrant from the court, there is no requirement for you to let them inside.
If the bailiff is able to produce a writ or warrant, always check this yourself. Check that the date is correct, the name and address are correct, and that it has been signed.
They are also not allowed to break down your door. If a bailiff has a court order to enter your house or place of business, and you still deny them entry, they are only allowed to use reasonable force. They may leave and come back with a locksmith, but they won’t be climbing over your fence or kicking in the front door.
Even if you successfully deter a bailiff from coming into your premises it is always advisable to pay the debt to your creditors as soon as possible. Otherwise, bailiffs will keep coming back, and their fees will be added to your debt each time you turn them away.
The bottom line is, if you hear bailiffs at the door, don’t panic or rush to make any decisions. Remember your rights and decide for yourself if you want to let them in or not. Alternatively, if you are worried that bailiffs may be sent out as a result of your debt, then give us a call and we can advise you on next steps. Whatever decision you make, it should always be an informed one.
