UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi all,
This is my first post and I would really appreciate some advice. To cut a long story short, after serving a section 21 notice I have a bailiffs date for next Tuesday and I'm not sure what to expect. My original possession date (in February) was set aside due to the court not serving the claim form to the correct address, it's taken another 4 months to get to this stage.
I have trawled the Internet and have found advice regarding not parking the car in the same street, taking a change of clothing etc, I am worried that the tenant will refuse to leave even with the bailiff on the doorstep, or that she will leave all her belongings at the property and then claim that things have 'gone missing''.
I know I am being incredibly pessimistic, but this has been dragging on for nearly 12 months now and I am getting myself in a state of stressed anxiety.

There's no point in what you're doing.

Wait and see what happens, then handle it as needed. Don't try to pre-empt things. Yes, stay away as long as you are able, if you can avoid all contact with the Tenant, then do so - that's why the Bailiffs are there. That's their job.

If things are left at the property - that is entirely possible - either have the Bailiffs record a video or you do that while they are there if it's possible, once the Tenant has gone. Evidence is what you need to reassure yourself.

You do have a right to be pessimistic after all this time, but don't let it be all-encompassing - otherwise the Tenant has clearly won. If you come into contact with them, be pleasant, be respectful... that will annoy them no-end. It will be your power-play.

Firstly - bad luck with your situation.  Hopefully it will go well.

Best advice -  Arrange to meet the bailiff around the corner from the property - give them whatever background you have - if you have a spare key - hand it over.  Then just leave - go and get a bit to eat and a cup of tea and wait for the bailiff to call you and let you know when the coast is clear or if you live nearby - go home.

Worse case scenario the tenants are there and not prepared to move - it will take a few hours and any distractions (i.e. you) just add to the delay and potential frustrations.  You gain nothing from it  - the bailiffs would have seen it all countless times.  Once the bailiffs phone - go back to the property - cross your fingers it's not wrecked, items stolen etc.,   If they have left goods it's normally standard practice for the bailiffs to take an inventory and video the entire property to ensure there isn't a situation you fear. 

List all the questions/concerns you have then discuss them with the bailiffs when you first meet them but please don't be tempted to watch to see how it goes - you can't influence anything so save yourself and the tenants the additional stress.

Thank you so much for the responses. I had the impression that I actually had to accompany the bailiffs, my bad. That more than anything was what was getting to me. I'll take the advice about going off for a coffee and waiting for the call. The bright side is that the tenant is actually still paying rent, and she called the management agent last week because the boiler was playing up, at least she's still communicating!

Let us know how it goes.  Fingers crossed.

*UPDATE*
Well eviction day is here. Bailiffs called 45 minutes early as they were running ahead of time, as they pulled up outside the property the tenants were getting into their car! When I arrived the tenants had already left. The property is not in quite as bad a state as I had feared, although the entire place needs a thorough clean and repaint and a couple of doors need to be replaced. One interesting item left behind is a 20" machete, police have been contacted for advice which amounted to a reference number and being told to wrap it securely with newspaper and tape and take it to the nearest police station in the boot of my car.
Thanks again for the advice, brilliant forum.

Well done!

Always nice to breath easy once you're inside and the tenants have left.

Take a deep breath, get the place cleaned up, learn from any mistakes made, get the new tenants in and hope it goes well.