Goods Left at Property

Where a tenant abandons a property, sometimes belongings are left at the property. The landlord must take care, and the tenant should be traced to impose collection of goods.

View Related Handbook Page

Tenant Moves Out

In most cases, the tenant will move out amicably. There are a few housekeeping items to consider before the next tenant moves in.

Abandonment

If a landlord takes possession when it seems evident that the tenant has abandoned the property, there is a risk that the tenant may then claim unlawful eviction. The landlord could be prosecuted and face a civil damages claim from the tenant. Therefore, the safe option is to obtain an order from the court giving the landlord possession. As detailed earlier, evicting a tenant without a court order is a criminal offence (with very few exceptions).