Ultimate Guide to Equita Ltd Debt Collectors

When you’ve been contacted by bailiffs, it can be hard to know what to do. Dealing with debt is an incredibly stressful experience, and it’s important to know your options so that you can work towards a better outcome.

If you’re facing a visit from Equita enforcement officers, or are concerned about debt collection, then here’s everything you need to know about Equita Ltd, who they are, and what they do.

This little guide will also show you how to deal with Equita bailiffs, and tell you how to access debt advice that can help you to find the best solution for your situation.

With the right debt assistance, it may be possible to write off up to 80% of your total debt, which can really take the pressure off. Remember – everyone deserves help when they’re dealing with debt, so don’t hesitate to contact a debt advisor today if you’re struggling with a difficult situation.

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Who are Equita Ltd?

Equita Ltd are part of the Capita group and are a debt collector based in and around Northampton.

They’ve been in operation for around 140 years, and employ approximately 350 enforcement agents who carry out collections around England and Wales.

They work with a range of different clients, dealing with situations such as rent arrears, outstanding parking fines, and issues with local authorities.

They’re also accredited by various other groups, such as the Credit Services Association (CSA), and the Civil Enforcement Association (CEA).

How to get in touch With Equita Limited

If you’ve been contacted by Equita bailiffs, you may wish to correspond with them to find out more about their plans and how they operate. Here are a few ways to get in touch:

Contact them via the online forms on their website.
Call them on 01604 628 360. Equita take calls between 8am and 8pm on weekdays, and between 8am and 4.30pm on Saturdays.
Write to them at their head office using the following address: Equita Ltd, 42-44 Henry Street, Northampton, NN1 4BZ.

When you contact Equita Limited, always have your name, address, and reference number to hand. Your reference number should be on all formal communication from the company.

Remember, if you feel unable to correspond with Equita bailiffs personally, then a debt advisor will have the experience to handle communications for you. Always reach out to your advisor if you ever feel unsure.

Are Equita Limited a legitimate company?

Equita Limited are a legitimate debt collection service. They hold a certificate that allows them to carry out collection services in accordance with guidelines set by the Ministry of Justice.

They’re endorsed by various recognised associations, such as the Civil Enforcement Association (CEA), and they also work with several local authorities within the UK.

However, if you’re contacted by them and do not think you are in debt, or if the correspondence you receive from them does not appear legitimate, please get in touch with a debt advisor who can advise you about your individual situation.

Why are Equita Limited contacting you?

As a debt collection service, Equita Limited are employed by other organisations to collect on outstanding payments.

If you have been contacted by Equita bailiffs, it’s highly likely that you have outstanding debt payments.

Many bailiffs buy debt from other organisations in order to generate a profit. They work with clients such as commercial landlords and local authorities, and so they may be contacting you about issues such as rent or Council Tax.

Remember – bailiffs are allowed to contact you via phone or post to notify you of enforcement action, but they are not allowed to harass you. If you feel that any bailiff action is turning into harassment, report them immediately and contact your debt advisor to discuss your next steps.

What can Equita Ltd do?

Once you have been contacted by Equita bailiffs, you may be concerned about what liberties they are allowed. It’s important to know your rights in order to keep yourself safe.

Here’s some more information about what Equita Limited are able to do:

The debt collection process with Equita Limited

Knowing the entire enforcement and debt process can be a huge asset. This way, you’ll be aware of your rights, and can make sure the bailiffs are acting in accordance with guidelines.

There are 3 main stages that a debt collector will go through:

Compliance

Usually, the bailiffs will step in once your case has been taken to court. The County Court Judgement will give the bailiffs a certificate, which means they can legally take and sell your belongings.

This is when you might start hearing from the debt collectors. Bailiffs will send you a ‘notice of enforcement’ or contact your over the phone, asking you to pay your outstanding debt before they get involved.

Remember, bailiffs are allowed to contact you however they see fit, but they cannot harass you. If you feel harassed, report them immediately.

You should reach out to Equita as soon as you receive the notice of enforcement – or ask a debt advisor to do so on your behalf. If the bailiffs don’t hear from you, they will most likely go on to the next stage.

Enforcement Action

If you don’t pay the outstanding debt, or do not contact the bailiffs at all, they will then take ‘enforcement action’. This is where they attempt to enter your home to take goods that they can sell and make profit on.

Usually, you should be given at least 7 days of notice before the bailiffs arrive.

For more information on what Equita bailiffs legally can and cannot take, see the section below.

Finally, remember that in most situations, a bailiff cannot force entry to your property.

Auction

Once a bailiff has taken some of your belongings, they will sell them in order to make money to pay off your debt.

They will usually estimate how much each belonging will make, in order to ensure they have taken enough to cover the outstanding payments.

Remember, bailiffs will try to make a profit when they sell the goods they take.

The legal powers of Equita bailiffs

Bailiffs are given certificates by a County Court judgement which allows them to remove and sell your belongings. For this reason, you most likely won’t hear from bailiffs until the County Court has gotten involved with your case.

Legally, an Equita bailiff cannot force entry to your home unless your debt is unpaid income tax, criminal fines, or stamp duty. It is best to avoid letting bailiffs in whenever possible, especially if you haven’t yet received advice from a debt advisor.

They also cannot enter your home if there are only children present, and they cannot attempt to enter before 6am or after 9pm.

However, once inside your home, Equita bailiffs can take your belongings in order to sell them and use the money.

Items they can take include:

Electronics, such a games console or television.
Jewellery.
Items you share ownership with someone else on.
Your car.

Items they cannot take include:

Items you need to live, including your fridge, oven, clothing, and bedding.
Items you don’t own.
They cannot leave you without a telephone.
Your family pets.

Remember, it is always best to get help as soon as possible if you expect that Equita bailiffs may pay you a visit. The earlier you get assistance, the more likely you are to avoid losing your belongings.

Getting your belongings back from bailiffs

Dealing with debt and having things taken by bailiffs can be a truly stressful experience.

However, in some cases, it is possible to get your belongings back. Your debt advisor will be able to give you personalised help based on your unique situation, but you can usually recover some or all of your belongings if:

You are able to repay the debt before your belongings go to auction.
You attend the auction to buy back your belongings.
You are able to compromise with the person you owe money to, and they ask the bailiffs to return your belongings.
The bailiff used illegal or inappropriate tactics to take your belongings.

What you can do if you’re contacted by Equita Limited

If you have been contacted by Equita bailiffs, your first thought will most likely be ‘how can I sort out my debt quickly?’.

Remember, a bailiff’s job is to make sure debt is repaid however they can – so it’s best to talk with them to reassure them that you do intend to pay. If you ignore them, they are more likely to attempt to take and sell your belongings.

Once you’ve been contacted by a bailiff, the best solution is to get advice from a debt advisor, and you can find more information on that below. An advisor will be able to help check that you do actually owe money, and can even correspond with the Equita bailiffs on your behalf.

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If you do owe money, and that debt isn’t able to be written off, the easiest solution will be to discuss payment options with Equita. Your debt advisor can help you negotiate the best plan possible.

Here’s how to clear your debt with the bailiff:

If you can afford to pay

If you do have enough money to repay your debt – that’s excellent.

Once you’ve made sure you know exactly what the debt is for, you can simply make a payment to Equita Limited in the most convenient way for you.

This way, your debt is entirely cleared, and Equita bailiffs shouldn’t have a reason to contact you any further.

If you’re ever unsure, your debt advisor can give you more information on the best way to pay, and put a stop to bailiff action.

If you cannot afford to pay

Unfortunately, many people each year find themselves in a situation where they are unable to clear their debts immediately.

If you find yourself in this situation, it’s very important that you get debt advice as soon as possible. Your advisor may deem you eligible for an IVA application, which can help write off a large chunk of your debt.

Alternatively, your advisor may help you to arrange a payment plan with the bailiff, which will allow you to clear your debt over time, by making a small regular payment towards the total amount.

This can be a great way to manage your debt, without having to worry about a visit from the bailiff.

A payment plan is particularly useful because you can ask your debt advisor to set terms that work for you. Additionally, if your circumstances change and you’re able to make larger repayments, the majority of debt collectors will be happy to accept higher payments or allow you to repay the last outstanding balance all at once.

As always, it’s vital to get personalised advice from an advisor. Not only can they tell you how best to stop a visit from the bailiff, but they can also handle all communications with Equita for you.

The dangers of debt collectors

Unfortunately, dealing with bailiff action does come with certain dangers.

Here’s what to do if you face any of the following things:

Protect your mental health

The stress of debt can be incredibly detrimental to your mental health. If you’re struggling in any way, please reach out to a friend or family member, and make an appointment to see your physician.

No one should have to deal with the effects of debt alone, and everyone deserves help with their financial problems. No matter your debt situation, please talk with a debt advisor as soon as possible if you’re concerned about enforcement agents, or are struggling with repayments.

Many advisors offer at least one consultation free of charge, so it’s always worth reaching out.

Avoid fees

Unfortunately, many debt collectors purchase debt in order to make a profit.

One of the ways a bailiff can profit from your debt is through charging fees.

Most collectors will charge money for each stage of the collection process. The longer you wait to get financial advice, the more likely you are to accrue additional bailiff fees – which can cause more stress if you’re already dealing with debt.

Here are the 3 main debt collection stages, and the typical fees a bailiff will charge:

Compliance: £75
Enforcement: £235
Auction: £110

A bailiff can also legally charge you for other services, including but not limited to:

Storage fees for holding your belongings prior to auction.
Auction fees.

The best way to avoid fees is to speak with a debt advisor as soon as you first hear from a bailiff. They will assist you in negotiating with them, or do it on your behalf if you prefer.

This way, you can pay off the debt or set up a repayment plan, which will prevent the need for a bailiff to visit your home, and stop you from accumulating multiple fees.

How to deal with debt enforcement agents

When you’re dealing with a bailiff, it’s vital that you know your rights.

Please note that a bailiff cannot force entry to your home unless your debt falls into one of the categories listed above. They cannot harass or bully you, and they can’t attempt to enter your home between 9pm and 6am, or if only children are present.

Avoid letting a bailiff in where possible, and try to speak with an advisor before they arrive at your home.

Here are a few essential things to do if you’re facing a visit from debt enforcement agents:

Make sure that you do owe money

It’s vital that you make sure you recognise the debt that you’re being asked to repay.

Most of the time, a bailiff will only speak with you once your case has gone to court, so you may already know why they are contacting you.

If you do not recognise the debt, ask your debt advisor for help, and ask Equita to provide proof of the debt that they’re trying to collect on – they’re legally required to do so.

Never make a payment on debt that you don’t recognise, especially if the collector hasn’t shown you proof. If you’re unsure, always get professional advice.

Get debt advice

If you’re struggling with your finances, getting expert advice can help you get back on track.

If you’re at the point where a bailiff has contacted you, find a reputable debt advisor as soon as you receive the first letter or phone call.

Ignoring correspondence from a bailiff risks them making a visit to your home to take your belongings, and can incur more fees.

A debt advisor will help you work out what your best options are, and will tell you how to contact Equita in order to make a full debt repayment or work out an instalment plan.

If you feel unable to speak with Equita yourself, a debt advisor will also be happy to take on communication for you, which can be really useful when you’re under pressure.

Additionally, they can advise you on whether you’re eligible for IVA, which can eliminate up to 80% of your debt.

Most advisors offer at least one free consultation, so you can get expert advice without having to make a financial commitment.

Speak to a debt advisor today

Speaking to a professional debt advisor is the best way to get personalised advice for your unique financial situation, and is the best way to avoid a visit from the bailiff, or running up costly fees.

Debt advisors are incredibly experienced in this area, and can help you negotiate with the creditor or bailiff, select the best repayment plan, and even advise you on whether some of your debt can be written off under IVA provisions.

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What is IVA?

An IVA is a legal agreement you can undertake, which helps you to repay your debts in a manageable way, and also allows you to write off up to 80% of the total amount.

Eligibility does vary, and it may affect your credit. A debt advisor can talk you through all of your options, and help you work towards the best outcome for your situation.

Remember, don’t deal with your debt alone. Everyone is entitled to help, so reach out and get free advice today.

List of Debt Collection Agencies UK

Here is a list of all the debt collectors in the UK.