Finding a person's home address

[AgnesG]

I am reluctantly considering a small claims action of around £700 against an individual. I have his name, mobile number, bank account details plus a business address and very approximate age and current location. The claims form requires a home address which I don't have. I looked into a couple of the online companies that research this but their 'enhanced' searches (I.e. don't require a former home address) typically cost upwards of £100 which I'd rather not spend considering that even if I get a judgement in my favour this person may well not be able to repay. Any ideas for DIY or cheaper methods to try to find him? Thanks in advance! Ps I have already sent a formal email to him outlining my claim and my next step is to send him a copy of the completed form before actually submitting it.

Not free, but try 192.com

Doesn’t Companies House keep the personal address of business owners?

@tanstaafl

Doesn’t Companies House keep the personal address of business owners?

Only if it's a limited company

Electoral register?

Thanks next step is the electoral register

Have you tried the BT online phone book. If you have a surname and town it might offer some suggestions.

If you know what borough he lives in you can go to the local council offices and ask to inspect the electoral roll. It should be free.

@tanstaafl

Doesn’t Companies House keep the personal address of business owners?

The only address that is publicly visible for a director is a correspondence address. That is usually the same as the company's registered office.

Claim forms can be served by email if the receiver consents to it.

@calmamongthechaos I have no illusion that he would consent to being served by email. Note I would be taking action against him as an individual not a company; I very much doubt he is registered as a business owner, just self employed.

[quote AgnesG]@calmamongthechaos I have no illusion that he would consent to being served by email. Note I would be taking action against him as an individual not a company; I very much doubt he is registered as a business owner, just self employed.[/quote]
Doubting is no good. You need to know with certainty whether he trades as a sole trader or limited company which is a separate legal entity. If you file court papers against the wrong legal person, you are just wasting your money as he will easily get the court case cancelled.

I was in a similar situation and paid a tracing agent it cost £35 plus Vat

@pilatespeach do you remember which agent it was by any chance? Did you have a previous home address? That seems to make a big difference in cost. Thanks!

@user1497207191 you are absolutely right that sounded ambiguous. He is a sole trade, not a limited company.