My son-in-law set up a business in a shed on my property. The business failed for a number of reasons but mainly due to family breakup. He left all the specialist gear in the shed and has not answered requests as to his intentions for at least 8 months. He owes me money for electricity and rent (although the rent was a gentlemen’s agreement). He insists I only communicate through his solicitor who doesn’t respond to my requests. Removing the equipment will be labour intensive and expensive requiring a crane, truck, etc and I know he has nowhere suitable to store it. I would like to give him 14 days to respond to a demand to remove the equipment and then 28 days to actually remove it. I have heard through a mutual friend that he wants to cost me a lot through legal fees and I think he has no real desire for the equipment, as it is specialist gear that would have a limited market and second-hand value.
I want to use the shed for other purposes. What legal rights do I have if he fails to either respond or to remove his equipment within the stated period?
I want to use the shed for other purposes. What legal rights do I have if he fails to either respond or to remove his equipment within the stated period?