guest left his personal belongings, no answer

[Eric1103]

in UK: what is the legal background for me to do??

guest left all his personal belongings, does not reply to airbnb or me, flat full with his stuff. we packed it together.

but can I throw it? If yes, when? thing like TV, computer, playstation, games, expensive wine bottles, doesn't feel right to throw it, but can not store it forever, too.

are the costs covered by AirBnB hosting garuantee?

can I charge for storing?

what is the agreement with AirBnB in a case like this?

[Helen3]

No it is isn't  the same in the UK  - @Cormac0  and that would apply to tenants in Ireland not short term guests I would imagine.

[Helen3]

Hey @Eric1103 

So the guest told you he is in Scotland and is meant to have left your listing?

What did Airbnb advise when they couldn't reach your guest either?

I would advise the guest that as their stay in your listing has finished and you have other guests needing to use the space, you have no choice but to pack up their belongings and there will be a daily storage date of XX until XXX date when items will be donated to charity.

I am not sure what the legal position is on this, but Airbnb might be able to advise.

[Alon1]

@Helen3 

The mystery of Eric's guest remains in suspended animation as Eric has not checked back in since last Monday.

'thing like TV, computer' cannot be donated to normal high street charities, as they don't take electricals.

That's why I rather suggested FREECYCLE. Such items will be snapped up in less than a day.

[Helen3]

Actually @Alon0 The British Heart Foundation and the Computer Exchange are two of the the charities that take electricals.

Really don't think it will come to that though 🙂

[Alon1]

@Helen3 

I have a donor card for British Heart Foundation. My local store is a few minutes from my home.

THEY DO NOT ACCEPT ELECTRICALS.

Similarly, I have a donor card for Shelter, also close by. THEY DO NOT ACCEPT ELECTRICALS.

There are several other charities in the vicinity. THEY DO NOT ACCEPT ELECTRICALS.

No Computer Exchange outlet near my home. Indeed, I've never heard of them.

[Helen3]

This post isn't about you though is it?  @Alon1  so I am not sure why you feel what facilities are available near you are relevant to the OP's situation?

Or why you feel the need to shout at me on the forum.

Just because the British Heart Foundation doesn't have a facility near you accepting electrical items  doesn't stop it from being true that they have this service. https://www.bhf.org.uk/shop/donating-goods/book-a-free-furniture-collection 

And here's another one http://www.weeecharity.co.uk/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAwc7jBRD8ARIsAKSUBHJBwA0_AHv0cLFI-ql5n1axOFpQ2EKODsQbxA3X...

I have spent most of my career in the UK charity sector so have quite a good understanding of how it works.

[Alon1]

@Helen3 

1) Of course the post isn't about me. But you are free to interpret my contribution as you want.

How do you know I was not whispering with CAPITALS?

In short, we don't know each other, but you are free to interpret my responses as you like.

2) I don't know what 'OP' means?

3) I can only share the benefit of my experience with my local charity stores in London NW3: Swiss Cottage, Belsize Park and Hampstead.

     I've even asked if there is a facility for them to collect electricals.

     I first asked in 2012 shortly after my mother died and I inherited the flat. I gave away many things to BHF. They accepted everything except electricals. I then asked a few  years later, same response: 'No, we can't take electricals'.

   Most recently, last month, a friend who stays periodically, unbenown to me took down a bedside lamp to BHF. She came back with the lamp. 

Consequently, I needed to find a solution for electricals. I found it with my downstairs neighbour. We stock up in the collective storage space, and once or twice a year he hires a car to drive to Camden Recycling Centre. 

4) Next time we're ready to dispose, I'll ask BHF again referring to  your link. 

[Eric1103]

update:

the guest has sent somebody and the things got picked up today. no explanation, but I am just glad the stuff is gone.

the legal point is still not clear for me. AirBnB were really of great help to contact the guest, but did not explain me the legal side. Also did not reply to me what is the contract is saying between all relevant parties.

from my research it is not allowed to sell or donate things that you do not own in UK. he could appear and ask for compensation. the best thing would have been to call the police to take it, but I have not started this. But I wouldn't be surprised if this comes with a lot of paper work.

In the future I will add in my house rules something like "all personal belongings to be discarted after checkout date" - at least this is a clear agreement that should cover me in case the guests will not reply after they left or forgot  something. Maybe also will start to mention it in the chat before confirming a booking.

What a nightmare, but I think in this case I was lucky.

thanks everybody for your help!

[Alon1]

@Eric1103 

Glad to hear you resolved.

What has happened is probably very rare.

I've had plenty of leftover possessions, though no electricals.

I always contact the guest and ask what to do. A few times they've requested packages sent. But by and large they are happy for me to donate to local charities.

[Helen3]

How incredibly rude of the guest @Eric0 but glad it turned out well.

Do leave an honest review.

I wonder if Airbnb will let you charge a daily storage fee?

[Helen3]

I am glad you got the issue resolved but this guest was beyond rude.

I would see if Airbnb would allow you to charge him a storage fee for the time he left all his belongings at yours beyond check out.

Please leave an honest review about this situation. Personally I would mark him down to three stars for communication and breaking your house rules and a thumbs down, so he can't IB with other hosts.