How long do I need to hold onto this for?

Rosalynda

Good for you elsien. I would do the same too.

TimeLord1

​Under UK law (specifically the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977), someone who holds onto someone else's goods is considered an involuntary bailee.

​You have a legal obligation to take reasonable care of the item and not damage or destroy it, but you are not legally required to spend your own time, money, or endless effort tracking the owner down.

After a reasonable period (which 2 months safely satisfies for a low-value item), you are generally legally permitted to sell the item, donate it, or dispose of it. If you sell it, the proceeds technically belong to the neighbour if they ever magically reappear, but for a £20 drop-shipped item, the administrative reality makes that a non-issue.

otb666

I must admit I am very wary about taking in packages since one left me with a broken glass vase in box. Neighbour assumed I had broken it and left a bad feeling with our relationship. Its also a great pain trying to give their packages back. I normally say no now. Another time I found a package in my garden and gave back to another neighbour. No idea how long it had sat there for. I would also give to letting agents to sort it. There are too many scams about to be accepting random packages nowadays. Sad but just how it is.

Archergirl

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82171094#Comment_82171094

Wow, your name certainly fits, I would also take a parcel in if it was left in full view and I knew things went missing………..

FFHillbilly

OP has done nothing wrong, serves the old neighbors right for not changing their address