We’ve made changes to the laws around how unclaimed goods can be dealt with.
The changes to the Unclaimed Goods Act 1987 aim to make it easier for people to dispose of unclaimed property that they have, but which belongs to someone else.
They come into effect on 1 August 2026.
What are unclaimed goods?
Under the Unclaimed Goods Act 1987, property is considered ‘unclaimed goods’ if:
- the owner has not collected the goods as agreed
- you have tried to deliver the goods as agreed but have not been able to do so
- you have asked the owner to collect the goods and they have not, within 14 days
- you have taken reasonable steps to contact the owner to request collection, but have not been able to reach them or
- the goods are rubbish, perishable goods or goods that are likely to cause a risk to the health or safety of a person.
What are the changes that have been made?
Under the Unclaimed Goods Act 1987, you need to give the owner a certain amount of notice before you are legally able to sell or dispose of the goods.
How much notice, and the type of notice, depends on how much they are worth.
Updates have been made to how much notice is needed and when. Outdated requirements, such as the need to place ads in a newspaper, have also been taken out.