I'm the Landlord

[Kinc]

I recently let a guy who ran a business that went into liquidation rent some space of me.

I agreed they could have 23 days rent free do clear the premises, they took what was worth something and left the junk to me. Though I haven't got keys, I wish to break (on 23rd day) in and clear the junk and deposit it at the the liquidators office as they officially own the business.

No contract was formed, nice stupid guy I am.

I gave them nearly one month rent free

They left me with junk

Will I get in trouble for doing what every right minded person would do?

[Aequitas]

I have an idea at the back of my head that once a liquidator has been appointed forfeiture can only take place with the leave of the court. In any event, particularly if there is a need to break in, no sensible landlord effects forfeiture personally, but instructs a bailiff. Further, if you do forfeit without the leave of the court, the tenant has the right to apply to the court for relief against forfeiture. If you relet and relief is granted you are in difficulty.

Attempting to deposit the "junk" at the liquidator's office is not a good idea.

What you can do is to serve notice on the liquidator requiring him to elect whether or not to disclaim the lease. This will concentrate the liquidator's mind on whether or not to disclaim. At the same time you can tell the liquidator that you are minded to agree a surrender to bring the liability for rent to an end. If a surrender is agreed the arrangement can cover how the junk is to be dealt with.

You need to be very careful that you do not take any action that would leave you paying damages either to the company in liquidation or to a new tenant. I would advise you to put the matter in the hands of your solicitor as there are many opportunities to go wrong. If you are not minded to instruct a solicitor your best bet is not to take any formal action, but to come to an arrangement with the liquidator.