How long to keep an ex-tenants possessions?

KTD10

I had tenants in my old flat until May last year. I recently realised that they left a drawer full of clothes which neither I not my letting agent picked up on at the time.
Some of the clothes look like they might be worth something so don't want to throw them out but how long do I need to hold on to them before I give them to charity?

I haven't heard from the tenants since they moved out so they obviously haven't even noticed they are missing and my attempts to make contact have gone unanswered.

Comms69

What attempts have you made?


What is the reasonable value of the clothes?


It's complicated, in theory you should try to sell for the best possible price and then pay that money to the owner - but only once you have exhausted reasonable efforts to contact.


Reasonable is subjective on the value.


e.g. a few bits worth at best a few pounds - a text / email and a 10 days to collect.


clothes worth several 100 pounds, store safely, send email, text, letter - maybe even social media etc.

KTD10

I reckon the clothes are probably worth a couple of hundred pounds that's why I'm reluctant to do anything with them. I've sent two texts but don't have a forwarding address for a letter. I'm happy to stick them in a bag in a cupboard for just now but obviously I cant hold on to them in the long-term. Will try and get hold of an email address for him through the letting agent.

Comms69

KTD10 wrote: »

I reckon the clothes are probably worth a couple of hundred pounds that's why I'm reluctant to do anything with them. I've sent two texts but don't have a forwarding address for a letter. I'm happy to stick them in a bag in a cupboard for just now but obviously I cant hold on to them in the long-term. Will try and get hold of an email address for him through the letting agent.

That's a good idea.


The law requires you to keep them (and keep them safely) for a reasonable period of time.


You've done that so far, but only 2 texts? Anyway - good luck in sorting it.


for future reference: Torts Interference with goods act

Norman_Castle

If the tenants left in May last year I would keep them until this May. I would consider a year more than reasonable.
I would send a few more text messages between now and May and explain you are happy to dispose of them. They may be avoiding replying to avoid collecting the items.

G_M

https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/information/abandoned-possessions