Tenant belongings at the end of the tenancy
Last reviewed 19 April 2024
Introduction
When tenants move out of a property they will typically take all their belongings with them and landlords don't have to do anything. Unfortunately, when tenants leave goods in the property instead of taking them, this can present problems for the landlord.
This is because, while the goods still belong to the tenant, the landlord becomes responsible for ensuring the goods remain safe. If they dispose of the goods or sell them then the tenant may seek damages under the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 unless the landlord has taken reasonable steps to keep the goods safe for a reasonable period of time.
As a result, landlords need to make sure they are taking the correct steps when storing these goods and only disposing of them after a reasonable time and making reasonable attempts to trace the tenant.
This guide covers the procedure the NRLA recommends when tenants leave their goods behind at the end of the tenancy.
Renters’ Rights Bill
The Renters' Rights Bill is expected to come into force in summer 2025, making the most significant changes to the private rented sector in over 30 years.
Amongst other things, the Bill will -
• Abolish Section 21;
• Change the type of tenancy you can offer;
• Introduce a new Decent Homes Standard to the PRS;
• Change advertising practices; and
• Significantly strengthen local authority enforcement powers.
The advice and resources on this page will be outdated once the Bill comes into force. The NRLA is currently preparing a suite of replacement guides and documents to help you manage the transition smoothly.
For further information on the passage of the Bill and its details, please see our dedicated campaigns hub