If you’re receiving calls or letters from Rundles Enforcement Agents about a debt, take a deep breath – you’re in good company. Even though this might seem like a stressful situation to be in, there are steps you can take to effectively handle it.
Let us explain…
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Who are Rundles Enforcement Agents?
Rundles Enforcement Agents, a company in operation since 1992, specialises in what they call ‘ethical enforcement services’. They play a pivotal role in the realm of debt collection, focusing primarily on council tax and parking fines.
Understanding who Rundles Bailiffs are is crucial, especially if they’re contacting you about a debt. They operate in both the public and private sectors, often stepping in when debts like council tax remain unpaid.
They usually reach out only if you have ignored previous warnings from the courts. Unlike debt collection companies, Rundles Enforcement Agents have legal authority to collect debts. They should also adhere to the strict guidelines of The Credit Services Association(CSA).
Why are Rundles Enforcement Agents Reaching out to me?
If Rundles Enforcement Agents are reaching out to you, it’s because you might owe money to a business, organisation, or individual. Rundles Enforcement Agents are there to manage these debts. Unpaid taxes or tax overpayments, especially for HMRC, are another reason they might contact you.
If you have unpaid payday loans or credit card debts, Rundles Enforcement Agents could be acting on behalf of your creditors. Defaulted court fines are also within their scope.
Rundles Enforcement Agents often work for companies that you might recognise, like:
- Utility companies (NPower, United Utilities, etc.)
- Mobile phone companies (O2, EE, Virgin Media)
- Local council (for council tax, parking tickets)
They either purchase these debts or are hired to collect them. Therefore, their persistence is aimed at recovering the owed amounts. Usually, companies like this also purchase debts from creditors for a fraction of what they are worth.
Thereafter, they chase debtors in order to collect the debt. After collecting the debt, they make a profit. This is why most of them are very persistent. But in some other cases, the creditor might hire them to collect the debt on their behalf.
So, if Rundles Enforcement Agents are reaching out, it’s a sign to review your finances for any outstanding balances.
How Do I Stop Rundles Enforcement Agents?
The best way to stop Rundles Enforcement Agents is to pay the debt. If you’re unable to pay it, you can request them for a payment plan. They will then provide you with a payment plan with affordable monthly instalments. But note that they are not obligated to accept your request for a payment plan. If this doesn’t work, you can consider taking up a debt solution.
Once you pay, take up a payment plan or a debt solution, and all the reach outs from them will stop. You will stop receiving letters and phone calls, and you will no longer have visits from them.
Note that while all of the above are options to stop Rundles Enforcement Agents, ignoring them is not wise. They usually send letters and give phone calls. In some situations, Rundles might even come to your home. But note that if you ignore them, it will only make their reach outs more persistent.
If the bailiffs feel like you are not cooperating, they might take action against you. This indicates that enforcement agents will come to your house and seize your possessions. But note that there are certain limits and there is a proper procedure they should follow.
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Even if you decide you don’t pay or decide to ignore Rundles Enforcement Agents, they cannot show up at your home to seize assets without informing you. They should send you a notice 7 days prior. This is called a Notice of Enforcement, which warns you to pay within 7 days, or they will be coming to your home to recover the debt through asset seizure.
They’re also bound by rules, so:
- No misleading letters (Letters that look like court forms)
- No unreasonable call times, such as after 9 pm and before 6 am.
- No, using contact methods you’ve prohibited, such as calling you when you’ve asked them to only email you.
- They cannot purposely use technical jargon to confuse and intimidate you into paying.
Note that even though it’s crucial that you pay the debt if you want to stop Rundles Enforcement Agents, you should not pay until you confirm that the debt is yours. Mistakes are not unheard of in this industry. So, there’s a chance that they are reaching out to you, assuming you’re someone else. In this case, send a Prove the Debt letter and request for proof.
The bailiffs will then send proof of the original credit agreement. If you identify it as yours, you can go ahead and pay the debt. But if there is an error, inform them.
If you decide to pay the debt, check one of the letters you have received from them. It will have their contact details and their website. You can call them and pay off the debt.
What Legal Rights Do Rundles Enforcement Agents Have?
Rundles Bailiffs possess certain legal powers in the realm of debt collection. They can visit your home and, in specific circumstances, seize assets if you ignore them or refuse to pay the debt. However, their powers are not limitless. They must adhere to strict legal guidelines, and knowing these can empower you as a debtor.
If you are unable to pay and they decide to seize assets, but you refuse to let them into your home, note that the agents can seize assets outside your home.
But if the agents are visiting you because you have failed to pay income tax or criminal fines, they have the legal right to force entry. The enforcement agents might even use a locksmith to unlock your door if you refuse to let them in.
If they enter your home, examples of some items that the enforcement agents have the right to take include:
- Expensive jewellery
- TVs
- Gaming Consoles
- Luxury items
Even though these bailiffs have certain legal rights that debt collectors don’t, there are certain limits to it. This includes:
- They cannot force entry into your home if you don’t let them in
- Trying to enter your home when there are young children below 18 or vulnerable individuals at home.
- Trying to enter your house through windows or other methods other than the main door.
- Visiting your home at unsociable hours, such as before 6 am or after 9 pm
How to Handle a Visit from Rundles Enforcement Agents?
Facing a visit from Rundles Bailiffs can be daunting, but you have rights that can protect you. Note that you are not obligated to let them into your home. It doesn’t matter what the agents say. Bailiffs can’t force their way in unless it is an income tax debt or criminal charges that Rundles is attempting to collect.
Even if Rundles agents want to force their way into your home because of a criminal charge or income tax debt, the agents cannot do it unless they have documents such as a writ to prove it. If they cannot show you the necessary paperwork, don’t let them in. As mentioned before, they might try to use a locksmith to unlock the door but note that they cannot break it.
If a Rundles agent comes to your house, it’s crucial that you request for ID. Some scammers may pretend to be bailiffs and try to enter your home. So, this is why it is important that you verify their identity before you give them access.
Some information that they should provide you upon request include:
- Badge or ID card that verifies their identity.
- The name of the agency they are working for
- Detailed list of the amount you owe and other fees/costs
- Warrant that gives them the right to enter your home
Just to be safe, instead of opening your door to check these documents, you can simply ask them to put them through the letterbox. Make sure to go through it carefully and confirm if all the details are accurate and they have not mistaken you for someone else.
If the documents don’t show any written proof that they have the right to enter your home, request them to leave. If you don’t want them entering your home, reach out to the Rundles Enforcement Agents head office and pay off the debt. If you’re unable to pay, request a payment plan with affordable monthly instalments.
Also, note that it is best to pay off the debt instead of ignoring them. This is because enforcement agents do not give up until they recover the money.
How to Cope if Rundles Take Your Belongings?
It’s unsettling to think about Rundles Bailiffs taking your belongings. However, understanding the legal procedures that Rundles must follow can provide you with options to reclaim your possessions or reach an amicable resolution.
If Rundles Enforcement Agents come into your home and seize some of your assets, you can still try to recover them. In order to do this, you should pay off the debt. But you should act fast. If you take too much time, they might end up selling your goods at an auction and recovering the debt.
But if you’re unable to pay, you might be able to request a repayment plan from them to pay off the debt. But note that there is no guarantee that they will agree to a repayment plan at the last moment, but it is worth a try.
Also, stay updated on your rights and the legal procedure that the bailiffs should follow when seizing goods. If they break any of these, you have the right to report them. In this case, there is a chance that you might be able to get your items back.
What if I Am A Vulnerable Person?
If you’re a vulnerable person, Rundles Enforcement Agents should show extra care. This includes giving you more time to respond to them. They also cannot enter your home if you’re alone.
A person is classified as a vulnerable individual if they are:
- Disabled
- Suffering from a long-term or terminal illness
- Suffering from mental health problems
- Pregnant or have children below 18- especially if you’re a single parent
- Over 65 or below 18, which makes it difficult for them to deal with bailiffs
- Having language barriers
If you fall into any of these categories, you should inform Rundles bailiffs:
- Tell them that you’re vulnerable
- Explain why you might find it difficult to deal with them in comparison to other people.
- You can also ask them to stop visiting you.
You can inform them over the phone or write to them. But make sure to note down what they agree to so that you can report them if they change their mind. If talking to them directly would cause you any distress, ask a family member or a caretaker to do it.
Rundles Enforcement Agents Have Contacted Me. What Should I Do?
Received a call or letter from Rundles Bailiffs and feeling unsure? Ignoring them isn’t the solution. Here’s a straightforward guide on what to do:
Engaging with Rundles Bailiffs can prevent additional fees. These could include compliance fees for sending notices, enforcement fees for property visits, and charges for selling seized goods. Note that ignoring them will only increase these fees.
A breakdown of the fees that you might have to pay them are as follows:
- Notice of Enforcement: £75
- Enforcement: £235 (or 7.5% over £1500)
- Sale of goods: £110 (or 7.5% over £1500
Even if you don’t recognise the debt, it is crucial that you speak to them. If the debt is not yours, reach out to Rundles and inform them. This will stop them from coming to your home and prevent further action. But if you continue to ignore them, they will take action against you and even proceed to seize goods.
Before you decide to pay Rundles, it’s crucial that you confirm if the debt is yours. Mistakes can happen. So, there is a chance that they might be thinking you’re someone else.
Sometimes, when bailiffs or debt collection companies are not sure where the debtors live, they might send multiple letters to different addresses. They send these to individuals with the same name. If the agency gets lucky, the right person will get it. This means even if your name is on a letter sent by them. It might not be you they are actually looking for.
So, if you pay the dues without verifying it, you might end up paying another person’s debt. Even though this sounds like a stressful situation to be in, it is avoidable. All you have to do is confirm if the debt is yours by sending a ‘Prove the Debt’ letter.
This is a letter that requests them for proof. If Rundles fails to provide proof of the original credit agreement, you don’t have to pay. If they proceed to take action without showing proof, you have the right to report them.
For older debts, consider the statute of limitations. Debts might be unenforceable if it’s been over 6 years (5 in Scotland) without payment. In order for a debt to be statute-barred, it should meet the following criteria:
- You have not made any payments in the last six years
- You have not admitted to owing the debt in the last six years
- You have not received a County Court Judgement (CCJ) for it
Note that this does not mean you’re debt-free. It just indicates that the court will not get involved for nonpayment. However, not all debts become statute barred. Some debt can be enforced for a long time. This includes:
- HMRC debts
- Debts that have received a CCJ
But in a case where you find out that your debt is statute barred, all you have to do is write to them and inform them. But make sure not to admit to owing the debt in the letter. If you want further advice regarding this, feel free to reach out to a debt charity.
If Rundles confirms that the debt is yours, it is wise to pay off the debt. If you’re struggling with finances, you can request them for a payment plan. They will then provide you with a payment plan with affordable monthly instalments. But note that they are not obligated to accept your offer.
Also, don’t agree to a repayment plan that you cannot afford. If you agree to one and later on fail to make the payments on time, this might worsen your situation. If you cannot handle a payment plan, you can consider taking up a debt solution.
Either way, taking steps to clear your debt can alleviate the stress and prevent further actions from Rundles Bailiffs. Always get receipts for any payments made.
The key is clear communication with Rundles Bailiffs. Be upfront about your financial situation. If you can’t make a payment, let them know in advance. Unsure about your debt’s status? Contacting a debt charity for advice is a wise move.
Additional Help to Deal with Your Debt
Dealing with Rundles Bailiffs can feel overwhelming, but there are clear steps you can take. Reach out to Rundles Bailiffs promptly to discuss the debt. If it’s yours, consider paying it off or setting up a repayment plan.
If you cannot afford a repayment plan, we recommend you request a settlement offer or take up a debt solution. A debt solution will help you to write off your unaffordable debt. But note that while the right debt solution will help you to write off debt, the wrong one will be expensive and might even worsen your situation.
This is why it’s important that you get some advice before you make the decision. In this case, feel free to reach out to a debt charity. Alternatively, fill out our online form, and our MoneyAdvisor team will guide you.
In the UK, several options are available, each suited to different financial circumstances:
- Debt Management Plan (DMP): An informal solution allowing you to pay debts with a single monthly payment.
- Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA): A formal agreement to pay a monthly sum distributed among your debts. Suitable for substantial debts to multiple creditors.
- Debt Relief Order (DRO): Ideal for those with minimal income and assets.
- Bankruptcy: A more serious step, suitable if you can’t realistically pay off your debts.
Contacting a debt charity for advice can be invaluable. They can assess your situation and guide you toward the most appropriate debt solution.
How do I Complain About Rundles Enforcement?
If you’ve had an unsatisfactory or unfair experience with Rundles, filing a complaint might be necessary. Knowing the appropriate channels and procedures for lodging a complaint against Rundles Enforcement can be crucial in seeking a resolution. This section will guide you through the process of making an effective complaint.
It is not surprising that some enforcement agents or debt collection companies use unfair tactics and even resort to threats and bullying when collecting debts. If you feel like Rundles Enforcement Agents have broken any of the guidelines of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or treated you unfairly, you have the right to report them.
First, report the enforcement agents directly to the company. This will give them the chance to resolve the matter. But if they refuse to look into it, you can escalate the issue. In this case, report them to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). They will investigate the issue and take action against Rundles. Some actions they might take include:
- Ask Rundles to pay a fine
- Ask Rundles to pay you compensation
- Remove their licence (In extreme cases)
In a situation where the Rundles bailiffs broke any of the rules of the Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA), you can file a complaint directly to the association.
Rundles Bailiffs Contact Number
Having direct contact details for Rundles Bailiffs is essential, whether it’s to negotiate, inquire, or complain. Effective communication is a key part of resolving any debt-related issues. Here, you’ll find the essential contact details for Rundles Bailiffs, facilitating that crucial first step in addressing your situation.
Website: | rundles.org.uk |
Phone number: | 0800 0816000 |
Opening hours: | 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Weekdays 8.00 am – 12.00 pm Saturday |
Email address: | info@rundles.org.uk |
Post: | Rundle & Co. Ltd. 53 Northampton Road, Market Harborough Leicestershire, LE16 9HB |
Additional Help and Guidance
Seeking professional advice when dealing with Rundles Enforcement Agents can significantly alter the course of your debt resolution journey.
Many charities and organisations offer free, expert guidance on managing debts and dealing with bailiffs. So, if you’re struggling with debt, feel free to reach out to the following debt charities for advice:
- National Debtline
- StepChange
- Citizens Advice
- Debt Advice Foundation
Final Thoughts on Rundles Bailiffs
Navigating interactions with Rundles Enforcement Agents requires understanding, strategy, and sometimes professional assistance. Knowing their methods, your rights and available resources can transform a challenging situation into a manageable one.
Key Points
- Rundles Enforcement Agents play an important role in the realm of debt collection, focusing primarily on council tax and parking fines.
- They usually reach out only if you have ignored previous warnings from the courts.
- If Rundles Enforcement Agents are reaching out to you, it’s because you might owe money to an Individual, organisation, or business.
- The best way to stop Rundles Bailiffs is to pay the debt. If you cannot pay it, you can request them for a payment plan.
- Rundles Agents have certain legal rights. They can visit your home and even seize assets if you ignore them or refuse to pay the debt.
- It’s important that you respond to Rundles. Before you pay the debt, confirm if it’s yours and whether its statute is barred.
- If you’re unable to pay the debt, there are many debt solutions available in the UK that you can take up.