Bailiff is pestering about someone not living at your address

Bailiffs could be harassing you concerning a lodger or former housemate who is no longer part of your household.

According to the law, bailiffs are permitted to visit the address specified in the warrant but can only remove goods belonging to the debtor.

Once informed that the debtor does not reside there, it is the responsibility of the creditor to conduct inquiries regarding the debtor's whereabouts.

It is not your obligation to disclose to bailiffs the current address of the debtor. To address the situation, record video using your phone and politely instruct the bailiff to vacate the premises. If they refuse or become confrontational, contact the police at 999 to report a disturbance.

The Law:

Paragraph 14(6) of Schedule 12 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 states:

(6)Otherwise premises are relevant if the enforcement agent reasonably believes that they are the place, or one of the places, where the debtor—

(a)usually lives, or

(b)carries on a trade or business.

Paragraph 10 of Schedule 12 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 states:

An enforcement agent may take control of goods only if they are goods of the debtor.