6 tips for dealing with bailiffs including when they can take goods and how you can complain
GETTING a visit from the bailiffs can be extremely worrying, so it helps to know your rights.
We explain six tips from debt charity StepChange if you’re anxious about your belongings being repossessed.
As of January 31, bailiffs are allowed to knock on doors over debts for consumer goods and vehicles, although a ban remains in place for home repossessions until April 1.
Customers had previously been protected from enforcement visits during lockdown due to the coronavirus crisis.
But as bailiffs start up again, there still remains little regulation over visits or penalties for bad behaviour.
Charities have been calling on the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to introduce a bailiffs regulator to hold officers to account.
Before considering court action, you should seek free advice as you'll end up paying to take someone to court.
Examples of potential poor bailiff practice that you should look out for include bailiffs chasing a debt that’s not yours, forcing entry into the home, or acting aggressively.
Other bad behaviours could include rejecting payment offers and seizing exempt goods such as essential kitchen items, beds and vehicles used for work.
Bailiffs will normally record their visit on a body-worn camera.
You can ask for a copy of the footage if you think it will support your complaint.
A ban on bailiff evictions has been extended until March 31, 2021.
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Previous research shows councils get just 27p from every £1 collected by bailiffs.
Meanwhile, read how one businessman paid £1,200 bailiffs fine with a car boot full of 1p coins.