On yer bike
Question
My son-in-law has kept a motorbike and a car engine in my garage for the last 18 years. The thing is, I haven't spoken to him for five years although I've tried to get my daughter to remove it she keeps on saying she can't get anyone to take it away. Do I have any legal right to get rid of it myself? Am I allowed to take it to the scrap yard?
Answer
In your case, the answer is yes, you can, but before doing so you must give your son in law the opportunity to come and take it away himself.
To formally give him such an opportunity, you would need to send a letter to him by recorded delivery saying you want him to collect the goods by a certain date and, if he does not do so, it is your intention to dispose of them yourself.
Your right to do this is covered by the Torts (Interference with goods) Act 1977.
Updated: 23/06/2010
Question answered by CAB
