Is it Legal?

[Gedney]

My question is: can I legally dispose of someone else's belongings having given him a deadline to collect it?.....

I offered to store some of a friend's belongings when he moved. Not a major problem at the time, but 2 years on most of them are still here!!
In Oct, after many phone calls and previous no shows, he agreed to come and collect them... (about 1/3. Originally he had a van load)
Since then I have made numerous attempts to contact him, leaving messages as to when I was free etc, asking him to come and collect the rest. He hasn't replied to any of my messages and calls... even the suggestion that I'd dump it after a specified date, didn't bring a response!!!

I've had enough and just want to have my shed and loft space back.

Any suggestions/advice please.
Thanks in advance.

[Buenchico]

It is legal for you to dispose of the goods as long as you do everything 'by the book'. That means that you must provide reasonable notice (e.g. 28 days) in writing and that, if the letter is sent by post, you must use recorded delivery. The letter must clearly state the date on, or after, which you intend to dispose of the goods.

Here's a draft letter for you. (I'm assuming that you'll put your address at the top. That's not just courtesy; it's a legal requirement to include your address in the letter):

Dear Fred Bloggs:

TAKE NOTICE that I hereby impose an obligation upon you (under Part 1, Schedule 1of the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977) to collect all items owned by you which are currently stored at the address stated above.

Further, TAKE NOTICE that, if such goods are not collected from this address by 20th January 2009, I will (on or after 21st January 2009) dispose of such goods, by sale or otherwise, and you will lose all title to such goods and any benefit from the sale thereof (in accordance with the provisions of Part 2, Schedule 1of the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977).

Yours faithfully,
. . . . . . . . . . .


Chris

[Gedney]

Hi Buenchico,
Many thanks for your answer and the draft letter.
All I need to do is find his postal address which I should be able to get via another friend.

Thanks one again.