Abandoned Items at Rental Property, what to do?

scrummy-mummy

Hi,

Am wondering if someone can help. I moved into a new rental property 3.5 weeks ago and the property contained some items left behind by the previous tenant. Most of them are small, so i placed them out of harms way in the garage. However, one item is a (almost new) washing machine as the tenant was unable to disconnect it himself and it had to be removed by a plumber (at the landlords expense).

I have contacted the landlord (who lives in Ireland) and he has said he has asked the previous tenant to collect it, but there is little else he can do.

I have also tried contacting the ex-tenant myself but have had no joy either (the only response being that he will collect it in his own good time). In the meantime, it is taking up valuable space on my patio (there is no room for it elsewhere on the premises) and i am keen to see the back of it.

What is the position here? Can i get rid of the item myself or can i insist that the landlord does so?

Any help much appreciated, i am really getting sick of the sight of it now and it's a hazard.

scrummy-mummy

Darth_Marty

Sell it, keep the cash and if questioned say the landlord took it.

socrates

I have two words for you:

E

BAY

ladyrider260

Do you have the old tenants address?

It's really up to your landlord to do this but what you need to do is write a letter saying that the items of property have been there for x amount of weeks and are a safety hazard. After numerous conversations about them removing their belongings they still remain at your property, you are now giving them 14 days to arrange collection. If they are not collected by x date, you'll assume they are no longer wanted & the belongings will be removed. End the letter by saying that you can be contacted on x number/x address to arrange a date for collection. Keep a copy & post it recorded delivery.

If the ex tenant doesn't bother then I'd say you have a right to then sell on his items. You can prove you have tried to contact him to resolve the issue, so that's good enough to stand up should he get a solicitor involved.

googler

If he'll collect it in his 'own good time', then -

since it's taking up room on the property that you are paying the rent for, then you (or your landlord) should present the ex-tenant with a bill for storing his property. Not excessive, but worked out reasonably from what a self-storage company would charge.....

If that isn't paid, suggest to him that you might appoint a debt collector to collect this debt.....

etc etc

LeeSouthEast

What googler said.

or just eBay it after 6 months.

scrummy-mummy

Thanks all for your help, emailed ex tenant (had no forwarding address) with the link to this thread and miraculously he made himself available to collect it this lunchtime

clutton_2

dont you just want to wallop some folks who wont take responsibility for their own possessions ??

(i'm sure my "stars" might have said "for 2009 you will become less tolerant of idiots"

Soot2006

LMAO
I once had to leave behind a washing machine for a few days. The new tenants then agreed to buy it, but whenever I came for the money they "weren't in" ... After a few weeks I started feeling stupid, so I left them a Christmas card I had left over and a note tellling them to enjoy their present It wasn't the newest (but it was mine! *sob*) ...

Willsnarf1983

i'd have just put it outside and let the rain get it and then the ex tenant could sod off when he moans!

Will

poppy10_2

If they haven't collected it it's yours. Sell it or freecycle it.