So i just opened the door to my new house.

rosyw

It is now YOUR house! get back round there and start moving your things in! My neighbours had a similar problem when they moved in,previous owner trying to say they "couldn't" move in yet as he hadn't finished getting his stuff out. They didn't know what to do as the removal guys were waiting, I gave them the same advice, MOVE IN!
The previous owner should definitely NOT keep a key, give her a deadline of an hour - you'll be surprised how quickly she'll sort it out, park yourself in the house and INSIST she leaves with ALL her belongings, and to hell with her bed getting ****ed up!

fairy_lights

It's bad enough that she wasn't packed up and gone when you arrived, but to say it's going to take her until Saturday to move out is just taking the biscuit.
I'd tell her that as a gesture of goodwill you will give her tonight to finish her packing, but that you're changing the locks tomorrow.

moneyistooshorttomention

I know you are an FTB and I wasnt when I moved to current house - but...I do hope you've made the same plans I had when moving here.

That being that I had got a locksmith lined-up to swop the locks on the house literally the evening of the day I moved in.

In your situation - I would still be proceeding with my arrangement to swop the locks right NOW regardless of her possessions still being there. It is now your house and you are entitled to swop your locks and it's tough luck on her if she was too disorganised to have all her stuff out first.

If you haven't made an advance arrangement to swop those locks today - then ring an emergency locksmith and get them to swop those locks this evening regardless.

AdrianC

Or DIY the lock swap.

But this is not exactly compatible with keeping the moral highground, is it?

eggha

yes you are annoyed

yes based on what you say, she is in breach of the contract, having failed to give vacant possession

but what do you want to do???
- you could go legal, but you have minimal costs to claim
- you could move in now and fight with her as your stuff and her stuff vie for space and end up in a mess
- you could start your decorating whilst she is moving out
- she could start cleaning up after she's moved her stuff and mess up your decorations

your assumption regarding her mental health is none of your business

this is a situation which screams out for an adult compromise based on the realities of what each person can actually hope to do and complete between now and Saturday. Strike a deal....

[Deleted User]

One option would be for them to find accommodation outside of your house, you change the locks, and then you let them in to remove their things. You are showing you have ownership, but don't prevent them continuing to remove things as a matter of compromise. I wouldn't let them stay overnight though.

If you continue to let them access your house you could end up with a squatter.

I would be giving their estate agent an earful at this moment.

moneyistooshorttomention

AdrianC wrote: »

Or DIY the lock swap.

But this is not exactly compatible with keeping the moral highground, is it?

I'd say the moral highground isnt relevant here - not for OP anyway. It is for the vendor (ie she should have done what she contracted to do).

I know exactly what my own father would have to say here - ie "Since she doesnt appear to be showing any morals here - then its your job to teach her to have some and be a bit more responsible. Get changing that lock - and hopefully you will help her to learn some. You will be doing her a favour.".

Harryp_24

ok theres been alot of answers and i am grateful for them. this is where i stand.
My solicitor is gone for the weekend now. I would not sue her anyway as i feel sorry for her (i know you will all say you have to or whatever but no i wont, i cant bring myself to sue an autistic 50 year old woman living on her own.)
She will have the majority of stuff out of the house today except a bed and some loft stuff. (the bed will be removed on saturday)
She will take everything out of the conservatory and the garden tomorrow.
I will go there tomorrow to start decorating. Once she had removed the bed on saturday she will give me her key back and i will also swap the locks.

Thanks for all the help everyone.

Harryp_24

ringo_24601 wrote: »

One option would be for them to find accommodation outside of your house, you change the locks, and then you let them in to remove their things. You are showing you have ownership, but don't prevent them continuing to remove things as a matter of compromise. I wouldn't let them stay overnight though.

If you continue to let them access your house you could end up with a squatter.

I would be giving their estate agent an earful at this moment.

i have rang their estate agent but they arent in.

She has already completed on another property that is vacant but didnt pack in time as she was told friday not thursday.

AdrianC

Not sue - merely get reimbursed for any expenses you incur.

Fortunately, there aren't any.