Can I Charge Storage Fees for Items Left on My Property?
When someone leaves unwanted items on your property—whether after a tenancy, a sale, or without permission—it can be frustrating and confusing. Many property owners ask, “Can I charge storage fees for items left on my property?” At Mr Shifter East Anglia Ltd, we’ve supported countless landlords, homeowners, and businesses across East Anglia in navigating this issue.
In this guide, we’ll break down your legal rights, practical steps, and how our team can help you handle abandoned items efficiently and lawfully.
Why This Is a Common Issue
It happens more often than you think. A tenant moves out but leaves behind a sofa, broken appliances, or bags of clutter. Someone stores boxes in your garage and vanishes. A friend promises to collect belongings but never returns. Suddenly, you’re stuck holding property that isn’t yours and don’t know if you can legally charge for storage or remove it.
You deserve to reclaim your space, but it must be done properly.
Understanding Your Rights to Charge Storage Fees in the UK
In the United Kingdom, the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 sets out your obligations and rights when someone leaves their belongings behind on your property. The law allows property owners to charge storage fees and eventually dispose of items, but only under certain conditions.
1. Ownership and Temporary Responsibility
If items belong to someone else, you technically become an “involuntary bailee.” This means you’re holding someone else’s property, even though you didn’t ask for it. The law expects you to take reasonable care of the items, but not forever.
You’re allowed to store the items temporarily and can often charge for doing so, but you must handle it by the book.
2. Giving Proper Notice to the Owner
You can’t start charging storage fees without warning. The law requires you to give the owner a clear notice. This must:
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Be in writing
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State where the goods are held
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Specify any fees you plan to charge
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Give a deadline for collection (often 14 to 28 days)
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Explain that the goods may be disposed of if not collected
You should send this notice by recorded delivery or email with a read receipt to prove the person received it. This protects you from legal complaints later.
3. Charging Reasonable and Fair Fees
You’re allowed to charge storage fees—but only if they’re fair. Courts will look at what a reasonable person would expect to pay for similar storage. Fees that are too high can be challenged.
Reasonable fees can include:
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Weekly storage costs
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Security and insurance fees
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Handling or labour costs
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Transportation (if moved to storage)
For example, storing a chest of drawers in a secure facility might cost £10–£25 per week, depending on the area and level of care provided.
What to Do Before Charging Storage Fees
Let’s walk through the correct steps to protect yourself and stay within the law.
Step 1: Document the Items
Start by taking clear photos of each item left behind. Make a list of everything with details such as brand, size, colour, or damage. This documentation is essential if the owner disputes the condition later.
Step 2: Attempt to Contact the Owner
Try to contact the owner as soon as possible. This could be a former tenant, friend, customer, or employee. Use their last known address, email, or phone number.
If you’re a landlord, this process can begin the day after the tenancy ends.
Step 3: Send Formal Notice
Prepare a written notice explaining:
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The items they left behind
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Where are they stored
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How long do they have to collect them (typically 14 to 28 days)
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That you’ll charge a specific weekly fee if items remain after that period
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That uncollected goods may be sold or disposed of
Send the notice via a traceable method. Keep a copy for your records.
Step 4: Store the Items Safely
Place the items in a secure, weatherproof location. This could be a locked garage, a professional storage unit, or another suitable space. If you need assistance, Mr Shifter East Anglia Ltd offers secure and insured storage across Norwich, Ipswich, Cambridge, and surrounding areas.
Step 5: Calculate Storage Charges
Choose fair and transparent fees. Don’t overcharge, and base your rate on actual expenses. If the item requires a large amount of space or special handling, reflect this in the cost.
For instance:
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A small chest: £8–£10/week
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A sofa or wardrobe: £15–£25/week
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Large quantity of mixed goods: priced by volume
Step 6: Seek Legal Advice if Needed
If you’re unsure about ownership or the value of the goods is high, it’s best to speak to a solicitor. For large items like vehicles, expensive electronics, or antiques, professional legal advice is key before disposing of them.
What If the Owner Doesn’t Respond?
If you’ve given proper notice and waited the specified time, but the items are still unclaimed, you may then take action. This could include:
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Charging additional storage fees
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Selling the items (if valuable)
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Donating or disposing of them (if low-value)
Remember: You must account for any proceeds from a sale and return them to the rightful owner, minus reasonable storage fees. If you dispose of items, ensure you use a legal waste disposal method. Mr Shifter East Anglia Ltd. can assist with eco-friendly and ethical clearance services.
Why Work with Mr Shifter East Anglia Ltd?
Handling abandoned items is not just inconvenient—it can also be risky if done incorrectly. That’s why many property owners, landlords, and estate agents across East Anglia trust Mr Shifter East Anglia Ltd to manage unwanted goods legally, safely, and efficiently.
Our services include:
✅ Secure Storage
We provide insured and CCTV-monitored facilities across East Anglia. Whether you’re storing a few boxes or an entire flat’s worth of furniture, we’ll keep it safe and protected.
✅ Professional Clearance
If items go unclaimed, we handle full clearance, including loading, transport, recycling, or disposal. Our trained team knows how to manage everything from bulky furniture to electronic waste.
✅ Legal Guidance Support
We don’t offer legal advice, but we work closely with landlords and solicitors and can guide you on best practices. We understand local bylaws and the practical steps that keep you compliant.
✅ Friendly, Local Team
Based in Norwich and working across Burnham, King’s Lynn, and Spalding, we bring local knowledge and a reputation for reliable service. We’ve built long-term relationships with letting agents, solicitors, and businesses in the region.
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Concerns
Can I throw the items away right away?
No. You must first send notice and allow time for collection. Throwing items away too soon may be considered unlawful disposal.
What if I don’t know who owns the items?
Make reasonable attempts to find out. If no one claims them, you may still remove or dispose of the items after proper notice. Record your efforts to show due diligence.
How long do I need to wait before charging storage?
You can include storage fees in your notice and apply them after the deadline for collection passes. Always be transparent about when fees start.
Can I change the locks if items are left behind?
Yes, especially if a tenancy has ended. But make sure this doesn’t prevent the person from retrieving their items during the notice period.
Final Thoughts: Let Us Help You Take Back Control
Unwanted items on your property are more than just a nuisance—they take up space, cause stress, and pose legal risks if not handled correctly. Whether you’re a landlord dealing with an abandoned flat, a business managing leftover goods, or a homeowner stuck with someone’s furniture, Mr Shifter East Anglia Ltd is here to help.