Abandoned goods

What can you do when your tenant departs and leaves goods at the property?

Well – as much as you would like to throw this stuff out, it is amazing how a shonky old table can quickly become a prized family heirloom, or a ripped old pair of jeans can become a piece of designer clothing, which a returning
tenant will decide to claim against you for.

Under section 62 of the Residential Tenancies Act only food and perishable goods may be discarded immediately by the landlord and all other items should be stored securely pending an application to the tenancy tribunal. The tribunal will then make an order either for the return of the goods to the tenant, or allow for the sale or disposal of the abandoned goods.

While it is a nuisance, the best way to protect yourself is to get a disposal order from the tenancy tribunal.