Guidance Notes: Dealing with Property Left Behind by Residential Tenants
These Guidance Notes: Dealing with Property Left Behind by Residential Tenants, explains how landlords in England should deal with property and belongings left behind by residential tenants following the end of a tenancy.
Why Download This Template
When a tenant leaves items behind, landlords cannot simply throw them away or dispose of them. The law imposes strict duties, and failure to comply can result in:
- claims for compensation by the tenant;
- disputes relating to wrongful interference with goods; and
- potential financial liability for the value of the items.
Under the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977, landlords may be entitled to sell or dispose of goods left behind, but only if they follow the correct legal process.
These guidance notes provide a practical overview of a landlord's rights and obligations under the Torts (Interference with Goods) 1977 Act, including when and how a landlord may lawfully store, sell, or dispose of tenant possessions.
When Should You Use This Guidance
This document should be used where:
- a tenancy has ended;
- the tenant has left personal belongings or furniture at the property; and
- the landlord needs to decide how to deal with those items
Related Guidance and Documents
Guidance and a template Notice are available for Commercial Landlords here . Guidance on various non-Landlord/Tenant scenarios can be found in our Business Folder here .
Once you have purchased access to the appropriate document folder click on the “Download Document” link below. You will be asked what you want to do with the file. It is recommended that you save the document to a location of your choice prior to viewing.
Guidance Notes: Dealing with Property Left Behind by Residential Tenants is part of Property. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Property for 1 year.