What happens if your seller leaves things you don't want?

lilybugs

(Sorry, this is a duplicate post as I made a mistake and posted it on the end of someone else’s question.)

We're (hopefully) exchanging on a house this week or next and it is a complete tip. It is disgusting and the whole place needs gutting from top to bottom. This means we want nothing left at all. I expect the carpets and kitchen cupboards will be left, which we'll have to dispose of but I really don't want anything else. How does this work? Can we request that he takes everything? Who do we make this request to? Things like the free standing cooker and all other furniture. There is also a garden shed which might be left. We didn't even walk down the garden so I've no idea if that is full of junk too (probably).

mystic_trev

If they've left stuff they shouldn't, get in touch with your solicitor and they'll pass it on to the vendors solicitor.If you don't hear anything within a few days, hire the largest skip you, and dispose their rubbish and then send them the bill.Of course you may also be able to dispose the kitchen units and carpets in the skip at the same time? That'll be a bit of luck!

Astaroth

Make it a condition of your offer/ in your contract that all must be removed... of cause you run the risk of the seller refusing and rejecting your offer.

Whilst you can wait and see what happens it isnt 100% definate that you would be able to claim compensation for your time to remove it. Being realistic though... how much time will it take you and what is the cost of a couple of skips -v- the cost of the property.

Gambler

lilybugs wrote:

(Sorry, this is a duplicate post as I made a mistake and posted it on the end of someone else’s question.)

We're (hopefully) exchanging on a house this week or next and it is a complete tip. It is disgusting and the whole place needs gutting from top to bottom. This means we want nothing left at all. I expect the carpets and kitchen cupboards will be left, which we'll have to dispose of but I really don't want anything else. How does this work? Can we request that he takes everything? Who do we make this request to? Things like the free standing cooker and all other furniture. There is also a garden shed which might be left. We didn't even walk down the garden so I've no idea if that is full of junk too (probably).

don't youmean 'seller'?

wobbley

If it says "Vacant Possession" on the contract then this should be done. I would definately get your solicitor to communicate this with the seller's solicitor.

Debt_Free_Chick

[quote=lilybugs_I_expect_the_carpets_and_kitchen_cupboards_will_be_left,_which_we'll_have_to_dispose_of_but_I_really_don't_want_anything_else._How_does_this_work?_Can_we_request_that_he_takes_everything?[/quote]

Everything stated on the fixtures & fittings list belongs to you. You should have this list from your solicitor - it's the buyer's confirmation of what they're leaving behind.

Things like the free standing cooker and all other furniture. There is also a garden shed which might be left. We didn't even walk down the garden so I've no idea if that is full of junk too (probably).

The physical things - cooker, furniture, shed - will be as listed on the F&F list. Look at the list

Rubbish should be removed, but it's a legal minefield. On the one hand, you may be able to charge the seller for the costs of removing any rubbish. On the other hand, the "rubbish" belongs to the seller and they are entitled to have it back (if they want it) or they are entitled to receive the "value" of what it's worth. So if they dumped a TV in the garden and it was valued at £5, if you dispose of it, they're entitled to £5!

I would raise your concerns with your solicitor NOW and get them to negotiate a deal. That way, you have some comeback if you have to dispose of the seller's belongings .... or rubbish.

lilybugs

We've just got all the information from the solicitor, which contains the list showing that he is taking some stuff from the kitchen but leaving the dishwasher, oven and hob, which we really don't want as none have ever been cleaned and I doubt that they even work. We've known all along that we'll have to get a new kitchen and appliances before we move into the house as the state of the current kitchen is disgusting and could be over 30 years old.

Is it reasonable to ask that he takes them? We are getting a skip but we hadn't planned on disposing of such big items (especially that I won't be able to carry). It'll be full anyway with all the carpets, kitchen cabinets, etc.

mystic_trev

Tell them you don't want them and they'll have to take/dump them. I assume from how you've discribed it, it's not a fiited kitchen and the appliances aren't built in.