Renting property - Can I bin a previous tenant's stuff?
Discussion
Hi all.
I recently moved into a flat, rented from a letting agency.
As I was moving in, the previous tenant was moving out (due to a balls up by the letting agent), so we were chatting for a few minutes.
She told me that there was a piece of furniture left inside which she didn't have any room for in her van, and asked if I minded if she left it in the flat overnight, to collect the following day. I agreed, asked for an hours notice, and we exchanged numbers.
I didn't hear from her that day, so have sent txt messages and left voicemails since (calls go unanswered) and have heard nothing back. The letting agency claim not to have a forwarding address.
Timeline:
18/11 - move in
19/11 - supposed to collect
20/11 - sent txt asking to collect and suggesting some convenient times
22/11 - voicemail to the above effect (note I definitely have the correct number, verified by the voicemail greeting)
27/11 - voicemail
30/11 - txt "Can you please come and collect your furniture ASAP, I need it out of my flat"
01/12 - txt "Hi {her} its {me}. Please come and collect your furniture by 7pm on 5/12 or it is going up the tip. Thanks"
I think this is more than enough time for her to arrange to collect something which was supposed to be collected the day after, and feel she's taking the mick now.
My question is if I chuck it up the tip on 5/12 and she comes and asks for it on 06/12, is there any comeback on me? I can't see why there would be - but wanted your thoughts.
Thanks
I recently moved into a flat, rented from a letting agency.
As I was moving in, the previous tenant was moving out (due to a balls up by the letting agent), so we were chatting for a few minutes.
She told me that there was a piece of furniture left inside which she didn't have any room for in her van, and asked if I minded if she left it in the flat overnight, to collect the following day. I agreed, asked for an hours notice, and we exchanged numbers.
I didn't hear from her that day, so have sent txt messages and left voicemails since (calls go unanswered) and have heard nothing back. The letting agency claim not to have a forwarding address.
Timeline:
18/11 - move in
19/11 - supposed to collect
20/11 - sent txt asking to collect and suggesting some convenient times
22/11 - voicemail to the above effect (note I definitely have the correct number, verified by the voicemail greeting)
27/11 - voicemail
30/11 - txt "Can you please come and collect your furniture ASAP, I need it out of my flat"
01/12 - txt "Hi {her} its {me}. Please come and collect your furniture by 7pm on 5/12 or it is going up the tip. Thanks"
I think this is more than enough time for her to arrange to collect something which was supposed to be collected the day after, and feel she's taking the mick now.
My question is if I chuck it up the tip on 5/12 and she comes and asks for it on 06/12, is there any comeback on me? I can't see why there would be - but wanted your thoughts.
Thanks
Would this scenario be covered by section 12 of the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977?
If so, you would need to either give the owner sufficient notice to collect or have made sufficient effort to contact them if they're not responding. If there is no collection or response then you can sell the goods, having sold them in a way likely to achieve the best sale result. You must then make the proceeds available to the owner, less your costs of selling the item.
If so, you would need to either give the owner sufficient notice to collect or have made sufficient effort to contact them if they're not responding. If there is no collection or response then you can sell the goods, having sold them in a way likely to achieve the best sale result. You must then make the proceeds available to the owner, less your costs of selling the item.
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff