Abandoned goods

Abandoned goods are belongings left behind by a tenant after a tenancy ends, which a landlord must deal with according to a defined process under the Residential Tenancies Act.

The obligations

A landlord cannot simply dispose of them. The process depends on the value of the goods:

• Goods of little or no value, or perishable goods, may generally be disposed of
• Goods with value must be stored and reasonable attempts made to contact the tenant
• Storage costs can be recovered
• The landlord may apply to the Tribunal for permission to sell

Practical points

• Document everything — photograph the goods, record the date, keep evidence of your assessment of value and your attempts to contact
• Where the property is contaminated, decontamination and testing costs must be taken into account in assessing whether goods are worth storing
• Disposing of valuable goods improperly is an unlawful act and can attract damages

Common misunderstanding

"They left it, so it's mine" is wrong and can be expensive. The tenant retains ownership until the statutory process is followed.

Related terms

Last reviewed: 1 August 2026 · General information only, not legal advice.

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