Have you received a letter or had an unexpected visit from Chandlers Enforcement Agents? We know this can be unsettling. The thought of your possessions being at risk or the uncertainty of interacting with bailiffs can be overwhelming.
So, what steps can you take next to protect your belongings and effectively handle Chandlers Enforcement Agents? Stay tuned to uncover the answers.
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Who are Chandlers Enforcement Agents?
Chandlers Enforcement Agents is a reputed revenue collection and bespoke enforcement agency. They provide services for:
- Solicitors
- Magistrates courts
- Legal departments within councils
- Local authorities
- Businesses across England and Wales
The company was established in 1996 and has worked with local authorities for more than 20 years. They are highly experienced in successful enforcement and in the most effective methods of recovering debt.
Chandlers enforcement agents provide enforcement services on behalf of the Central Government, such as:
- HMRC
- Legal Aid Agency
- Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunal Services
- Child Support Agency
- The DVLA
- Student Loans Company
Yes, Chandlers Limited is a legitimate revenue recovery and enforcement agency. They are members of the CIVEA and strictly adhere to the CIVEA code of Conduct. They also operate under the:
- National Enforcement Standards and Code of Practice
- Ministry of Justice Code of Conduct
- The Laws of Distress
This ensures that they are a legitimate company and not a scam, as they strictly follow the laws, rules, and guidelines of the industry.
Chandlers Enforcement Agents offer services to local authorities such as:
- Collection and enforcement of Council Tax
- Business improvement district levies
- National non-domestic rates
- Court fines
- Sundry debt
- Housing benefit overpayments
- Commercial rent and former tenant arrears
- Arrest warrants
- Service of statutory demands for bankruptcy
- Road traffic debt collection and enforcement
- Pre-warrant collections
They also support the private sector, including business and the legal profession. They provide assistance with:
- High Court Service and Returns
- General process serving and letter delivery
- Employment Tribunal Awards
- Peaceful forfeiture
- Commercial rent recovery, evictions and amicable recovery
Need more Help to deal with Chandlers Enforcement Agents?
If you’re unsure how to deal with Chandlers Enforcement Agents, feel free to fill out our online form, and our Money Advisor Team will get back to you to guide you.
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Are Chandlers Enforcement Agents, Bailiffs?
Yes, Chandler’s Enforcement Agents are bailiffs. If you have received court action but have still not paid the dues, the court may appoint Chandlers to recover the debt by seizing assets and property.
Thus, unlike debt collection agencies, Chandlers have the right to enter your home and seize your possessions. They will then sell the items at an auction in order to recover the amount you owe.
Why Are Chandlers Limited Bailiffs Contacting Me?
If Chandlers Enforcement Agents are contacting you, it’s likely because:
However, there’s a high chance that they are reaching out to you due to an outstanding debt. As mentioned before, Chandlers collect debt on behalf of local authorities as well as the private sector. So, if you owe any of the following and haven’t paid on time, this might be the reason pwhy they are reaching out to you:
- Payday loans or credit cards
- Tax bills from HMRC
- Court fines
- Debts owed to individuals or businesses
Also, some companies that tend to hire debt collection agencies to recover debt are as follows:
- Broadband companies or mobile phone companies such as Virgin Media
- Electricity and gas companies such as United Utilities or Npower
- Local council parking tickets or similar debts
However, if you don’t owe any of the following and don’t recognise the debt, there is a chance that they have mistaken you for someone else. This is why it’s crucial that you confirm the debt before you pay.
How to Stop Chandlers Enforcement Agents From Contacting Me?
The only way to stop Chandlers Enforcement Agents from contacting you is by paying off the debt. This could mean settling the debt in full or agreeing to a manageable payment plan. However, if you believe the debt isn’t yours or there’s a discrepancy, there’s a process for disputing it.
Constant contact from Chandlers Limited can be stressful. But ignoring them isn’t a viable solution. They have the legal authority to pursue debt collection, and ignoring them will only escalate the situation.
If you’re struggling to pay the debt, you can also request them for a payment plan. They will then offer you a plan with affordable monthly installments. But note that even though this is an option, they are not obligated to accept your offer for a payment plan.
What Will Happen if I Don’t Pay Chandlers Limited?
If you don’t pay Chandlers Enforcements Agents and decide to ignore them, they will send you a Notice of Enforcement. You will get 7 days to make the payment. But if you don’t, they have the right to visit your home after 7 days and seize your assets. If you don’t let them in, they can repossess items that are outside your house, such as your car.
Ignoring bailiffs is never a good idea. Enforcement letters and visits are not done for free. You will have to pay for them along with your existing debt. So, the more you don’t pay and continue to ignore them, it will only increase the amount that you should pay, which worsens your situation.
What Rights Do Chandlers Limited Have?
Chandlers Enforcement Agents hold certain legal powers as bailiffs. This includes:
- Entry and Seizure: Chandlers Limited can visit your home to collect debts. In some cases, they might enter your property and seize goods, like a Sofa or even your car, to cover the debt.
- Restrictions: Here’s where your rights come in:
- Chandlers Limited cannot force their way past you.
- They must avoid entering if only vulnerable individuals or children under 16 are present.
- Visits at unsociable hours, before 9 am or after 9 pm, are not allowed.
- They must use the door; no other entry methods are permitted.
- They cannot send you letters making it look like court forms
- They cannot contact you at work if you have specifically asked them not to
- They should not confuse you by using technical jargon
No. Being vulnerable means extra protection for you. Some individuals that are classified as vulnerable include:
- Disabled individuals
- Anyone that’s suffering from a long term or terminal illness
- Individuals suffering from mental health problems
- Children and pregnant women- especially if you’re a single parent
- Individuals over 65 or under 18
- Individuals with language barriers
If you’re vulnerable, Chandlers Limited must give you more time to respond to enforcement notices. They should also show extra care when handling you. If speaking to them would cause you distress or impact you in any way, they should speak to your caretaker or someone you approve of.
If you’re a vulnerable individual, make sure to:
- Inform Chandlers Enforcement Agents of your vulnerability.
- Explain why dealing with them is harder for you.
- Request to halt future visits to avoid distress.
- Keep a record of agreements for future reference or complaints.
How Should You Handle a Visit from Chandlers Enforcement Agents?
Dealing with a visit from Chandlers Enforcement Agents can be intimidating, but being informed about your rights and their limitations can ease the situation. First and foremost, you are not legally obliged to let them into your home under most circumstances.
They can only force themselves into your home if you have tax debts or other serious debts. But for this, they should show you proof such as paperwork.
If your debt is serious and you refuse to let them in, they have the right to get a locksmith to open your door. But they cannot break down your door or enter through a window.
You have the right to ask them for the following:
- Proof of their identity, such as an ID card or badge
- Proof of who they are working for (Name of the enforcement agency)
- Detailed breakdown of the debt, such as the amount you owe and other charges and fees
- Proof of warrant or writ of Conduct (ability to force entry into your home)
If they cannot provide this or if they do not have the legal right to enter, you can ask them to leave. If you don’t want to meet them at your door to get the documents/ID, simply ask them to drop them through your letter box.
Take your time and check all the details. In a case where there are inaccurate details, inform them and ask them to leave. These are the same steps you should take if they have mistaken you for someone else.
You can also contact their head office and make the full payment. This will also make them leave. If you are unable to pay, request them for a payment plan. But note that they are not obligated to accept this offer.
What happens if I don’t let bailiffs in?
If you don’t let them in, they will leave and come again on another day. Also, note that if the debt you owe is regarding an HMRC debt or magistrate court, they can apply to a judge for a warrant to force entry.
Bailiffs also have the right to force entry for CCJs. But only in a situation where:
- The judgement is related to a business address
- The items which were taken into control were moved purposely to another property to avoid seizure.
What Rights Do You Have if Chandlers Limited Have Taken Your Goods?
If Chandlers Enforcement Agents may have already taken possession of some of your goods, there are a few things you can do. But you should act without delay.
The first thing you should do after they seize your goods is to try and pay back the debt before they auction it. If you’re unable to pay, you can also discuss a repayment plan with them. If you don’t want to do this, you can also buy the goods back from them. This will clear out your debt.
Keep in mind that if Chandlers Enforcement Agents break any rules or treat you in an unfair way when seizing assets, you have the right to report them. In this case, you might have to return the goods to you.
Chandlers Limited Contacted Me. What Should I Do?
Receiving a notice from Chandlers Limited can be unsettling, but how you respond is crucial. Let’s break down the steps you should take:
- Respond Promptly: Ignoring calls or letters from Chandlers Limited is not advisable. The debt won’t disappear, and avoidance could lead to additional fees. But what are these fees?
- Compliance Fee: £75 for issuing an enforcement notice.
- Enforcement Fee: £235 (or 7.5% over £1500) for visiting and possibly taking goods.
- Sale of Goods Fee: £110 (or 7.5% over £1500) for selling your items to cover the debt.
Note that even if you don’t recognise the debt and you believe they are mistaken, you should inform them. This is why verifying if the debt is yours is crucial. You should also do this if you have already paid the debt and start contacting you.
Before taking any action:
- Verify the Debt: Ensure the debt is yours, and the details are correct. Mistakes can happen. Chandlers Limited might have outdated information or even the wrong person. If you pay them without verifying if the debt is yours, you might be paying off someone else’s debt. This is why it’s crucial that you confirm it before you pay.
- Send a “Prove the Debt” letter: If unsure, send a “Prove the Debt” letter to request evidence. They should then send you proof, such as the original credit agreement. Note that if they fail to show this, you might not have to pay.
If it’s been 6 years (5 in Scotland) since you last acknowledged or paid towards the debt, it may be unenforceable. However, this doesn’t apply to all debts, like HMRC or CCJ-related debts. In order for a debt to be statute-barred, it should meet the following criteria:
- You have not made any payments in the last 6 years.
- You have not admitted to owing the debt in the last 6 years.
- You have not received a CCJ for it.
Note that if your debt is statute-barred, this does not mean you are debt-free. It simply means that if you decide not to pay, the court will not get involved. If you’re not sure whether your debt is statute-barred, feel free to reach out to a debt charity.
Once you confirm the debt:
- Clear or Plan: If it’s yours and verified, look to clear it. If unable, discuss a repayment plan with Chandlers Limited. They will then provide you with a repayment plan with affordable monthly payments.
- Keep in mind not to agree to anything you cannot afford. If you agree to the payment plan and fail to make payments again, this might worsen the situation. Also, note that they are not obligated to accept the offer for a repayment plan from you. The decision is up to them.
- Also, make sure to request them for a receipt. This is proof that you paid the debt. So, in case they come back stating that you have not paid the debt, you have proof to show.
- Seek Advice: If uncertain about your debt’s status or how to proceed, contacting a debt charity can be a wise step. They can provide tailored advice based on your situation. Remember, dealing with debt proactively can prevent further complications.
Consider A Debt Solution to Write Off Unaffordable Debts
Struggling with unsecured debts and worried about Chandlers Enforcement? Finding the right debt solution can offer relief. But note that while the right debt solution will help you to write off debt, the wrong one might worsen your situation.
So, before you make the decision, consider consulting a debt charity. They will guide you. Alternatively, feel free to fill out our online form, and our MoneyAdvisor team will guide you.
1. Debt Management Plan (DMP):
- A DMP allows you to pay off debts with a single monthly payment.
- Is it binding? No, it’s informal, meaning you’re not tied to a minimum payment term.
2. Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA):
- What’s an IVA? It’s a formal agreement where you pay a monthly amount divided among your creditors.
- Duration: Typically lasts 5-6 years, with the remaining debt wiped off at the end.
- In order to be eligible for an IVA, you should owe several thousand pounds to multiple creditors.
- Ideal for: Those with minimal income and no assets.
- Process: No payments or interest for 12 months, with a chance to write off unsecured debts by the end of the period if your financial situation does not improve.
5. Bankruptcy:
- A serious step for debts you cannot pay off.
- Consideration: It offers a fresh financial start but has significant implications.
How do I Complain About Chandlers Enforcement Limited?
If you believe that Chandlers Enforcement has behaved inappropriately or unfairly in their dealings with you, you have the right to file a complaint.
The process starts with contacting Chandlers directly. This will give them time to resolve the matter on their own. But if they fail to provide you with a solution or don’t respond to you, escalate it. In this case, you can report them to the CIVEA. They will look into your issue and take action if they are found guilty. Chandlers Enforcement Agents might have to:
- Pay a fine
- Pay compensation to you
- In extreme cases, their license might be revoked.
Chandlers Limited Contact Details
Knowing how to contact Chandlers Limited is essential, whether it’s to negotiate a payment plan, discuss a debt, or raise a complaint.
| Website: | https://www.chandlers.ltd.uk/ |
| Post: | Chandlers House 2 Southlands Road, Bromley Kent, BR2 9QP |
| Phone number: | 0208 290 0866 |
| Fax number: | 0208 290 0868 |
| Email address: | info@chandlers.ltd.uk |
| Opening hours: | Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 8.00 pm (excluding Bank Holidays) Saturday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Sunday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm |
Additional Advice and Debt Help
Navigating through debt challenges, especially when dealing with Chandlers Enforcement Agents, can be complex.
Fortunately, professional advice is available. Several charities and organisations offer free, expert guidance on managing debts and dealing with debt collection agencies.
Feel free to contact the following debt charities for advice:
- StepChange
- Citizens Advice
- National Debtline
- Debt Advice Foundation
Key Points
- Chandlers Enforcement Agents is a reputed revenue collection and bespoke enforcement agency.
- They provide service for local authorities as well as private businesses.
- Chandlers Enforcement Agents are a legitimate company. They are members of the CIVEA and strictly adhere to the CIVEA code of Conduct.
- If Chandlers is reaching out to you, it’s most likely because of a debt that you owe.
- If you want to stop them from contacting you, the best option is to pay off the debt.
- If you don’t pay off the debt, Chandlers will send you a Notice of Enforcement. After 7 days, they will come to your home and seize your assets.
- If you’re a vulnerable individual, Chandlers cannot enter your home. But make sure to inform them that you’re vulnerable.
- If they visit your home, you have the right to request them to verify their identity and provide details of your debt.
- If Chandlers Enforcement Agents contact you, make sure to verify if the debt is yours and check if your debt is statute barred.
- If you’re struggling to pay off the debt, there are many debt solutions available in the UK that you can take up.
