No next of Kin – what do I now do with contents?

No next of Kin – what do I now do with contents?

16:25 PM, 5th September 2016, About 8 years ago 2

Text Size

My tenant died 3months ago and no one has come forward to claim any of the deceased property. Sadly my wife and I were the only people to attend his funeral. flowers

Where do I stand legally I want to empty the contents from the flat. The deceased was an elderly gentleman and the contents and furniture are old and of no real value.

In fact the flat may have been let as furnished by my wife’s parents who we inherited it from.

Many thanks

Steve


Share This Article


Comments

Neil Patterson

16:45 PM, 5th September 2016, About 8 years ago

Mark has unfortunately had a tenant pass away before, but we have not run across this scenario with no one to pass the personal possessions too.

Hopefully a reader can help us out on this.

Robert Taylor

10:03 AM, 6th September 2016, About 8 years ago

My understanding is that you can empty the contents of the flat but need to store them for a period (I believe 2 months) in case somebody makes a claim on them. From what you say, there is very little value in the furniture but it may be a different matter with personal belongings.

If it was my property I would photograph the furniture and make a list of the items and then dispose of them. If somebody makes a claim within the 2 months then you may have to pay compensation but this is not likely to be very much and would be offset by the fact that you have been able to relet the flat.

With personal belongings which may have a sentimental value, I would store these for a minimum of 2 months and perhaps longer as they are not likely to be too bulky and you could then pass them over if somebody proves they have a claim to them.

Leave Comments

In order to post comments you will need to Sign In or Sign Up for a FREE Membership

or

Don't have an account? Sign Up

Landlord Tax Planning Book Now