Is it illegal to keep a package wrongly delivered to you UK?

The Unexpected Arrival: Your Rights and Responsibilities with Misdelivered Packages in the UK

We’ve all had that moment of mild confusion: you open your front door and there it is, a package addressed to the wrong person. Perhaps it’s a neighbour with a similar house number, or a delivery driver made a simple mistake. The question is, what are you legally obligated to do with this unexpected arrival in the UK?

The answer, surprisingly, is less complicated than you might think. In the UK, the legal principle regarding unordered goods, often referred to as unsolicited goods, applies here. This principle essentially states that if you receive goods you didn’t order, you are under no legal obligation to return them or pay for them.

Think of it this way: the package is effectively unsolicited, similar to those unwanted catalogues that used to clog our mailboxes. Receiving it doesn’t create a binding contract between you and the sender (or intended recipient).

So, what can you do with it?

Legally, you are free to keep the misdelivered package. Consider it a stroke of unexpected luck, a small quirk of fate that resulted in a free item. You can keep it, use it, or even donate it.

However, just because you can do something, doesn’t mean it’s always the right thing to do.

While the law is on your side, ethical considerations come into play. The package clearly belongs to someone else, and it’s likely someone is waiting for it. Here are some suggested steps you can take:

• Check the Address Carefully: Ensure you haven’t simply misread the address. A quick double-check can save everyone a lot of trouble.
• Contact the Delivery Company: Most delivery companies have a contact number on the packaging. You can inform them of the error, and they may arrange for collection.
• Try to Locate the Intended Recipient: If you know the recipient, perhaps they are a neighbour, consider delivering it yourself. A friendly gesture can go a long way.
• Keep it Safe (For a Reasonable Time): If contacting the delivery company is difficult or you cannot locate the intended recipient, keep the package in a safe and secure place for a reasonable period (e.g., a few weeks). This demonstrates good faith.
• Document Everything: If you contact the delivery company, keep a record of the date, time, and the person you spoke to. This can be helpful if any further issues arise.

Important Considerations:

• Reasonable Time: While you’re not obligated to hold onto the package indefinitely, keeping it for a reasonable period shows you’ve acted in good faith. What constitutes “reasonable” depends on the item and circumstances.
• Dishonesty: If you deliberately intercept a package addressed to someone else with the intent of keeping it, this could potentially be viewed as theft, even if you technically didn’t order it. The legality hinges on your intentions.
• Large or High-Value Items: If the package contains something of significant value, it’s particularly important to make a genuine effort to return it. Holding onto a misdelivered valuable item without attempting to rectify the situation could raise more serious legal questions.

In Conclusion:

Receiving a misdelivered package in the UK presents a legal grey area. While the law allows you to keep unsolicited goods, ethical considerations often outweigh the legal technicalities. By making a reasonable effort to return the package to its rightful owner, you are not only being a good citizen but also avoiding potential complications down the line. So, next time that unexpected package arrives at your door, remember the legalities, consider the ethics, and act accordingly.