I have noticed on ebay that someone is selling a van which he claims has been left behind owing him rent. (item no. 120201166809).
Is it legit to do this, or could the buyer end up being chased for the van by the original owner, or worse, being accused of handling / receiving stolen goods?
It's not the first time I have seen a listing like this either....
I suppose it depends on the circumstances. If the van has been left on a campsite with outstanding fees then I would imagine that somewhere in the contract the owner retains the right to dispose of any abandoned caravans to recover his expenses. There may be other circumstances where the same thing could happen.
I personally see little problem here, the "seller" does seem to be very honest with his description, if the van has been abandoned owing rent then it seems the appropriate course of action.
Worst case is that he is lying, but then I doubt that the van will have a tracker fitted!
As long as you buy in good faith, with ebay you have a description and printed receipt, I would not let that stop you bidding.
At our storage site the owner sells old vans that have been abandoned on his site. When we first went there we had an 1989 Avondale and he wanted 2 months money up front in case we left it there without paying. Told him no chance we'd leave it there as there was nowt wrong with her
------------- -x- Diane -x-
May 13 - Cala Gogo, St Cyprien (didn't go, hubby too ill to travel)
May 14 Ranc Davaine
August 14 Les Sablons
August 13 - Camping Playa Brava, Pals
I suppose what you have to establish from the seller is has he given the original owner sufficient notice of his intention to sell the van in order to recover the money owed to him. If he has done this and could provide reasonable proof then I think you would be OK.
I have known owners to leave their caravans in storage and never go back for them. it is then up to the person who's facility it is to dispose of them.its a bit of a funny situation, can you trust the seller, you would'nt want to buy a stolen van.
I bought a vehicle a few years back which had been claimed to pay a debt. 2 weeks after I bought it the stolen vehicles squad were at my door demanding to see it and it ended up going to County Court to sort it out.......I lost, so my advice is DONT. There are squillions of caravans to choose from so dont needlessly give yourself problems.
Yes it is legal to do this, providing the seller has notified the original owner of the caravan that he intends to sell the caravan under the provisions of the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977.
In order to do this the seller must write to the owner, and send it to the last known address via recorded or registered delivery, stating how much is owed and give a date, usually 90 days forward of the date of the letter, stating that if payment is not received by that date, then the goods, in this case the caravan, will be sold to the highest bidder.
Provided that the seller can prove that he followed this course of action, and that he gives you copies of the correspondence, then you will have legal title to the caravan if you buy it.
------------- GeorgeB
I'm a Grumpa....its just like being a Grandpa..only grumpier!
Hi all, My concerns would be that the van has been used recently, It still has gas, Electric and waste container all in place as though it's been used and someone has just been 'evicted'. I think I'd want to find out more before parting with cash. It also looks like it needs some 'damp' rectification. The window above the door is a definate.
------------- Doing as little as possible for as much as possible...
Bearing in mind it's already sold once on ebay but the winning bidder didn't want it as the floor was too soft, the previous owner is probably glad to get rid of it. That said if it is beyond repair there is still a few quids worth of gear in it if it were broken.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Abandoned Van for sale. Dodgy?
