AST term help for items left behind at End of Tenancy

haveabreak

Hi all

Following on from my earlier post about the deposit, i also have a question about a specific clause relating to End of Tenancy on a new AST provided by my agent.

The clause states that if an items are left behind at the end of tenancy the landlord will be responsible for storing items for up to one month. My question is if it is a legal requirement to give minimum one month? Can I instead change it to 14 days?

The AST does not mention anything in regard to Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 and this act does not require minimum one month notice, as far as i know.

I ask because had a bad experience and evicted prior to this - and was told it's a bit of a grey area. The tenant left really bulky possessions and garbage behind and I was not sure if they would come back (fortunately they did but still left lots of annoying items behind).

Thanks in advance.

AST term:

1.24.     End of Tenancy

1.24.1. At the expiration or sooner termination of the Tenancy:

f.   Remove all personal items from the Property before the end of the Term. The Tenant will be responsible for meeting all reasonable removal costs and/or storage charges for items left in the Property after the end or earlier termination of the Term. The Landlord will remove and store such items for a maximum of one calendar month, and take all reasonable steps to contact the Tenant in this regard and, where possible, will notify the Tenant at the last known address. If the items are not collected within one calendar month the Landlord may dispose of them and the Tenant will be liable for the reasonable costs of disposal, which may be deducted from the Deposit or from any sale proceeds and if there are any costs remaining they will remain the Tenant’s liability;

propertyrental

The Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 applies whether the tenancy agreement mentions it or not, so must be complied with.

Over and above that, contract law could apply if the tenancy agreement has specific terms, which would also have to be complied with.

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