Clearing out a council house when someone dies.

Zebradome

Anyone got any experience of this?

DH's old aunt died and we have been clearing her house for past 2 weeks. It's all done now -sparkling clean & everything removed except curtains, carpets, a perfectly good & clean gas cooker & the washing machine. No-one in the family wants them.

The form the council sent out says that the house must be completely empty - including carpets & curtains. The carpets & curtains were definitely there when she moved in 2 years ago and are perfectly good.

Surely they can't mean it - going to phone tomorrow - also does anyone know if they will insist on us removing cooker & washing machine?

Ms_Chocaholic

Yes they will mean that the washing machine and cooker are removed as they will be unable to let the property to a new tenant with these in situ and, if they are not removed, they may charge you to remove them

tbs624

Advertise on them on your local Freecycle website as a "buyer collects/transports" job and do someone a huge favour

BitterAndTwisted

Freecycle's a perfect idea. Still, it's a shame as the next tenant might be in desperate need of them

DawnW

I had to clear out my mother's flat when she had to go into a home because of dementia,so have some experience of this situation. Do clear absolutely everything out, as they will look for any excuse that they can to charge you. Freecycle is ideal, or a charitable organisation who collect unwanted household goods and distribute them to those on benefits etc.

irishjohn

Unfortunately if these items were left in the house the Council would become responsible for them in the event of any fault they may have which could cause a problem for the new tenant. So they must go!!

besonders1

Sorry to hear about your loss. I remember when my gran died we just left everything in even though we were not supposed to but the fridge and the washing machine were only about a year old . I don't think you'll have a problem finding someone to take them away as people are always after domestic appliances on freecycle, you could always phone a charity organization in your local area.

MunnyBoiler

Sorry to read of your loss.

Alas the items do have to go on H&S grounds. If they are left behind for the next tenant and there is a problem, then the LL becomes liable. Also there is a chance that the next tenant might not actually want/need them.

You can always take your chances and leave the stuff behind. The LL might threaten to recharge but whether they would is another matter, especially in the circs.

Good luck

squinty

Sorry for your loss.

This might be slightly pedantic, but the obligation to remove these items, or to pay for any charge from the council lies with the executor and not the next of kin. If the council do try and charge you, and there is no estate, do not feel obliged to pay.

However if you do prefer to get rid, and cannot find someone who would use these, try ringing the council waste services to see if they offer a cheap or free service to remove 'bulky items'