Ex has left possession at my property - what to do with them?

[Beagle2000]

Hi,

Posting this on behalf of a friend who requires some advice:-

Friend was dating someone for approx. 18 months (this person moved into the property owned by the friend) mid November 2022, the ex visited their original home and from there decided not to return and end the relationship. Following this, there is a significant amount of possessions left at the friends property, the friend has requested the ex to come and collect and this has not been done. It is now February and there has been no communication since mid November about arranging collection of the items. My friend wants to issue a notice to the ex and give a deadline as to when the items need to be collect by, failing to do so they will dispose of the items. (There is also a passport, so I have suggested this is handed in properly and do not throw away.) Question: can a notice be given to the ex with a deadline to come and collect at a time and date? any consequence for disposing of the items and not being liable for a claim down the line? any advice to bring this to a swift resolution?

Thanks in advance!

[atticus]

Have you researched the Torts (interference with Goods) Act 1977, and the notices that can be given under it?

Why not send the passport back using recorded delivery?

[Beagle2000]

Have you researched the Torts (interference with Goods) Act 1977, and the notices that can be given under it?

Why not send the passport back using recorded delivery?

Thanks - I was considering use of section 12 of that act but was not certain of its application given that no sale will take place? Section 12(1)(c) i think provides a bit more coverage?. The aim is to absolve any liability essentially, the person has had sufficient time and opportunity to do the right think as reasonably can be expected but has failed to do so.

[Beagle2000]

Passport - address not known so i suggested handing in to local police station rather and treating it as lost item

[atticus]

How are you proposing to give notices, given that the address is not known?

[Beagle2000]

the proposal is to send the notice via email with a request for acknowledgement to the satisfy that the notice was received and read. If no acknowledgment is forthcoming i think we'll have to explore options again at that point?

[atticus]

Having supervised trainee solicitors, and now law students, for many years, my answer would always be to enquire whether the trainee or student thinks he/she has completed their research, and to ask what they recommend and why.

[efpom]

https://assets.publishing.service.go...290317-EXT.pdf