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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Original poster

Debt collectors

73 replies

firsttimemum97 · 02/10/2017 19:13

I've been with s/o for 19 months, and we've both struggled financially. Now I'm 8 months pregnant and we have just settled into our house (renting) and it's going smoothly. Well, I answered the door this morning to a well presented guy who asked whether s/o was around to which I said no because he was in bed after a long shift. When s/o woke up I asked him about the 'urgent' letter to which he replied it was just debt collectors. He left for work at half 5 and I called my mum who told me to find out what it said, so I opened it. Apparently they are coming back tomorrow to take stuff from the house which I have tried so hard to build up from nothing. He doesn't know I've opened it but I feel so upset. I can't decide whether to be angry or to help him. What would you do in this situation?

OP posts:
splendidisolation · 02/10/2017 19:15

How much is the debt?

Santawontbelong · 02/10/2017 19:16

They have no legal right to enter so don't answer the door. .
Have you got receipts to show you paid? Bank statements?
Letter from parent to say gifts?

hertsandessex · 02/10/2017 19:20

Is it a debt collector or a bailiff/enforcement agent? If a debt collector I don't think they have any legal right to enter your property or remove goods. What is the debt for? Something that has gone to court already? If you are not sure don't let them in tomorrow. You can call Citizens Advice Bureau to get advice.

Original poster
firsttimemum97 · 02/10/2017 19:21

It's only £700 but at the same time I feel as if he should have mentioned it. I know there are worse amounts but they'll still take whatever they can. I've got receipts for the washing machine, dryer and fridge but that's all. I never thought I'd have needed to keep them

OP posts:
Original poster
firsttimemum97 · 02/10/2017 19:22

The letter said enforcement agency, the bill is for council tax I think. Im only 19 I've not seen any of this stuff before 🙁

OP posts:
OurMiracle1106 · 02/10/2017 19:24

Unless they have a county court or high court writ they have no right to enter your property. Simply don't let them in. I would urge your SO to phone company explain and arrange to make a payment- even if it's a payment plan of £10 per month.

TantrumsAndBalloons · 02/10/2017 19:25

Enforcement agency means bailiffs

Your OH needs to call the company because they will have a court warrant and will be back- it isn't going to go away

Offred · 02/10/2017 19:26

It is best to deal with this rather than hide from it.

CAB is a great idea. I used to volunteer there and would often call up debt companies to request they put a hold on the account to give us time to do the budgeting stuff and work out a payment plan.

They virtually always put a 30 day hold on the account straight away and this stopped enforcement agents visiting and extra charges being added.

AdoraBell · 02/10/2017 19:26

Make sure any doors, like a back door into the garden, fe, are locked. If you have easily movable valuables I would be inclined to take those round to your mum's or a friend's tonight. Then don't answer the door to to them.

Do you have a car, if so is it on finance? And is it parked on your drive, public road, or locked away in a garage where they can't see it?

As for how you should feel, there is no should. You feel what you feel. If that is anger that would be perfectly understandable.

TantrumsAndBalloons · 02/10/2017 19:28

ourmiracle if it's bailiffs they already have a warrant

Offred · 02/10/2017 19:28

If it is council tax there will be a CCJ against him (and possibly you if it is for the joint property) and they will be able to break in to get the stuff.

Is this the Xbox playing alcohol drinking waster?

AdoraBell · 02/10/2017 19:29

Posted instead of reviewing, sorry.

Yes, he should have told you, and he needs to deal with this. It shouldn't be left up to you to deal with them. If he is out when they arrive get him on the phone or give them his number.

Original poster
firsttimemum97 · 02/10/2017 19:40

We don't have a car or anything but there's all the kitchen stuff, his Xbox and tv and probably quite a bit they could take. I don't think it would be a good idea for me to tell him that I've read his mail so I don't know how I could get it sorted without him knowing. I don't have the money to put in his bank to pay for it because I've already paid him my rent. I've never had to deal with this before so I'm quite confused. What's the difference between a bailiff and enforcement agency?

OP posts:
Offred · 02/10/2017 19:43

You pay him the rent?!

coffeecoffeemorecoffee · 02/10/2017 19:44

This happened to me. First thing tomorrow you need to get straight down to the council and plead with them to take the debt back or at least instruct the enforcement company to accept repayments. Mine was for a similar amount, went to the council and they accepted a repayment plan of £100 a month. But if u default on it at all there's no second chances so offer an affordable amount. Take the letter to the council with you.

AdoraBell · 02/10/2017 19:46

I would just tell him you are moving a few things because he said it's debt collectors, and they told they would be back. Don't bother taking his XBox, just your things and anything you need, so any jewellery you have, anything that has been bought for you.

Original poster
firsttimemum97 · 02/10/2017 19:46

Rent is £500 so I put half in his bank, as well as pay for all the food and cleaning stuff, if he has no money on him he will ask me for some and because I'm a dipshit I give him it. He's £1000 over drawn but has managed to save £700/£800. can I go to the council on his behalf?

OP posts:
Offred · 02/10/2017 19:49

You need to sign up to a free credit check to see if you have debts associated with you that you aren’t aware of.

You also need to check if this debt is associated with you. If it is council tax from when you lived there even if you paid your half you will be jointly responsible for paying the debt. If it is from a time he lived without you you need to check your current bill is up to date.

Start paying your rent straight to the landlord, do not give it to him to pay. I was in this same position with my ex and found out that, though I and the lodgers, had been paying our rent to XP for 6 months he had not paid a penny to the landlord. He had also been stealing money from the lodger’s bank cards (ordering takeaway) and had not paid the council tax.

BaronessEllaSaturday · 02/10/2017 19:50

They can't break in for council tax unless you have already allowed them in . They can enter through an unlocked door so keep doors locked.

AdoraBell · 02/10/2017 19:50

Oh, and don't pay this debt yourself, as in putting your money into his account to cover it. Yes, whoever pays it there is less money all round, but keep your money separate and make sure that he pays the debt.

Original poster
firsttimemum97 · 02/10/2017 19:51

I think if I don't pay it then it will just accumulate. He refuses to pay council tax and water bills so I can see it adding up

OP posts:
43percentburnt · 02/10/2017 19:53

Is this debt just in his name?

I suggest you run like the wind. I have met too many women who end up bankrupt after meeting men who can’t get credit in their own name, so coerce their usually younger girlfriend to get a catalogue/car loan/credit card in their name which they promise to pay. Only they get bored of the shiny trainers, corsa, iphone and want to upgrade - leaving you paying the debt. Then you get a Ccj.

Usually these fine specimens had an ex girlfriend who was ‘bad with money’ and that is why they cant get credit themselves.

43percentburnt · 02/10/2017 19:55

Why does he refuse to pay council tax/water?

Offred · 02/10/2017 19:55

Oh god do not pay it!

If it comes to it March him down to the office and force him to hand over his ‘savings’.

Offred · 02/10/2017 19:56

Are you on the tenancy agreement?

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