Landlords' lost & found: from forgotten furniture to exotic pets

• Nearly nine in ten landlords have found belongings left behind in their properties
• Some of the most unusual items left behind include live fish aquariums, ashes from loved ones and a vial described as containing the ‘bubonic plague’
• Only 6 in 10 landlords have a clause in their tenancy agreements specifically relating to the disposal of belongings left behind when departing their residence

Almost nine in ten (89%) landlords have experienced surprises in the form of discarded possessions in their properties, new research from Direct Line business insurance reveals.1 The study exposes the extent of relinquished items in rental housing across the UK, with 43% of landlords experiencing this issue regularly.

The research also highlights the scope and variety of items landlords deal with. Rubbish (56%) and general clutter (52%) are the most commonly abandoned items, but personal and valuable items are also frequently left behind. These include clothes and shoes (45%), bedroom furniture (37%), kids’ toys and equipment such as bikes or trampolines (35%), living room or garden furniture (both 33%), food (32%), and even electricals like TVs and laptops (28%). Items such as pet equipment (25%) also regularly make the list, along with alcohol (23%).

Table 1: Most common items left behind in rental properties

Source: Direct Line business insurance 2025

More unusual items left behind by tenants include:

• A full aquarium with live fish
• A stash of unopened mail from multiple identities
• A toilet, not attached to the wall 
• A vial described as containing ‘bubonic plague’
• Discarded ashes from a ‘loved’ one
• A vintage jukebox
• Ancient coins
• Five fridges
• 50 tubs of ice cream in the freezer
• A glass slipper
• Exotic pets like snakes or tarantulas

Over half of landlords (53%) find themselves disposing of items personally often with a financial cost. On average, landlords are left £258 out of pocket due to the need to store or dispose of abandoned items, with some losses reaching as high as £5,000. Over half (53%) admit to being financially impacted in this way. 

For over a third (35%) of landlords, abandoned belongings have led to delays in welcoming new tenants, while the same percentage of landlords report they had difficulty finding previous tenants in an effort to clear out their properties. Three in ten landlords (30%) have had to store left items while arrangements are made for collection or disposal.

Over a third of landlords (34%) have faced situations where ex-tenants have returned seeking their belongings after they have already been disposed of, highlighting the need for good communications. Navigating the legalities around tenant rights and disposal of their possessions can be complex, and landlords need to ensure they follow the correct procedures in these instances. 

Despite these common challenges, only 63% of landlords have a clause in their tenancy agreement specifically relating to the disposal of left belongings. While 46% of landlords are aware they must make efforts to contact the tenant to arrange collection or get confirmation that these can be disposed of, 29% erroneously believe that it is up to the landlords to do whatever they want with the  belongings.

Jonny McHugh, Head of Landlord at Direct Line business insurance, commented: “Our findings shine a light on an often-overlooked problem faced by landlords across the UK. Not only do abandoned belongings cause logistical headaches, but they can also result in significant costs and delays.”

“Clear communication and robust tenancy agreements are essential to safeguard both landlords and tenants. It’s important to ensure tenancy agreements clearly outline the procedures for handling abandoned belongings. These terms not only help safeguard landlords legally but also provide transparency and reassurance for tenants about what will happen to any possessions they may intentionally or accidentally leave behind at the end of a tenancy, helping to avoid disputes.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 503 UK Residential Landlords (aged 18+). The data was collected between 07.08.2025 - 11.08.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.

For further information, please contact:   

Unni Henry, 

PR Manager, Direct Line business insurance

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk

About Direct Line business insurance  

Launched in 2007 Direct Line business insurance provides a flexible range of insurance products for the landlord, van and small business sectors and is part of the Aviva Group. 

Customers can find out more about Direct Line business insurance products or get a quote by calling 0345 301 4827 or visiting https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk