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Original poster

Old house owners being a pain

271 replies

Moaningturtle · 13/01/2022 09:59

We completed on our house in mid November. It started in the day of completion when she was still in the house 3 hours after completing moving stuff out, and then left a load of stuff in the garden to come and collect another time. It was annoying, especially as the clutter in the garden made our moving in harder, but it we were accommodating and polite.

Then the packages started arriving all the way up to Xmas, including a few which we missed delivery of that weren’t named so we had to go to the collection office to get packages that turned out were not for us! This got a bit more annoying. Then her partner (who wasn’t even joint owner) messaged me informing me that UPS will be delivering a very important package that day and could I make sure I sign for it!! On that occasion I told him no, I was sleeping and can’t get up to answer deliveries (I work nights). It happened to come while I was awake though so I dutifully took it to a requested neighbours house.

Then he messaged me asking me to contact Virgin Media and take over his contract!! I said no thank you very much, we have our own broadband sorted. He seemed a bit miffed as I assume he now has to pay for the remainder of the contract.

All a bit annoying but we put up with it. But the latest instalment is that we’ve had Virgin media knocking on our door demanding we give back their equipment. Now, they did leave a router plugged into the wall which I assumed they didn’t want as why would they leave it in a house they had sold? So I put it straight in the garage….I think? It’s possible it went to the recycling centre with other electronics we were getting rid of. If it is in the garage it’s way way way back there behind all the stuff we haven’t yet unpacked/general garage crap. And now the previous owner is WhatsApp-ing me about finding it for her as I assume she’ll be charged.

I know it all seems like small stuff and I should probably just do it, but I work at night then sleep for 4 hours before picking the kids up from school and the whole clubs/dinner/homework/bath time/ bed time routine. Then I’m back at work!

At what point can I stop being obliging and just block them from my phone? Or am I being petty here?!

OP posts:
Santaisstilleatingmincepies · 13/01/2022 10:01

Block them.
In all ways.
And accept no more parcels.

JuneOsborne · 13/01/2022 10:01

Block and forget, I would! Not your problem that they weren't organised enough to sort all of this out!

They're being Cheeky Fuckers.

MelonTits · 13/01/2022 10:01

At what point can I stop being obliging and just block them from my phone?

The best time would have been a week after completion, (and that’s generous!)

second best time is now.

FlibbertyGiblets · 13/01/2022 10:03

Block them now.
Decline parcels for them.
Any post return to sender not at this address.

SprayedWithDettol · 13/01/2022 10:03

I would get your solicitor to write to them, rather strongly, that you will not be dealing with their post or anything, from today. Block their phone number and ignore.

Original poster
Moaningturtle · 13/01/2022 10:03

Oh phew!! Thank you!

I have a tendency to be too nice and let people take advantage because I don’t want to be unkind.

I really need to stand up for myself more.

OP posts:
minipie · 13/01/2022 10:04

Gosh how annoying.

I think I would be inclined to send them a final message saying you can’t accept any further parcels or requests relating to their ownership, especially as you work nights and have to sleep in the day. So please could they ensure that all future parcels and enquiries are directed to them at their new address as you will not be responding.

Then block

Original poster
Moaningturtle · 13/01/2022 10:06

Is there anyway that virgin can come after me for the equipment, as technically I do possibly have it, somewhere?!

OP posts:
WhatTheWhoTheWhatThe · 13/01/2022 10:06

Just block them and decline any further parcels. You’ve been far too accommodating already!

Havilland · 13/01/2022 10:06

I would not have put up with any of that. Unfortunately because they have got away with a lot, when you finally do put your foot down they will be very unreasonable.

Block all lines of communication.

Show proof to Virgin media that you are the homeowner from X date and are not reaps Ono Lennon for any equipment that the previous owners may or may not have left behind and for them to cease and desist from contacting you and to take it up with the people at their new address.

Do not spend any time looking for equipment.

WhatTheWhoTheWhatThe · 13/01/2022 10:07

@Moaningturtle

Is there anyway that virgin can come after me for the equipment, as technically I do possibly have it, somewhere?!
Not likely as their contract is with the previous owners.
MintJulia · 13/01/2022 10:10

I'd send them a text saying that it's been three months, that they should have sorted everything by now and you will be rejecting all deliveries from now on. And then block.

Original poster
Moaningturtle · 13/01/2022 10:12

I did tell the Virgin man at the door that I didn’t have it and was the new owner and denied all knowledge. I don’t even have a forwarding address for them.

But today she messaged saying that I needed to put it in the bag provided (I have no idea what she’s on about, I have no bag) and leave it at the door for collection. And the thought of going out to the garage and searching through all the crap for something that isn’t mine and was left behind (so technically sold to us with the house?) and might not even be in there is the last straw!! I have enough shit going on!!

OP posts:
NashvilleQueen · 13/01/2022 10:14

All their shit should have been taken on completion. If they left it and now virgin are after it more fool them.

Honestly just block them. Refuse to sign for or accept parcels.

I never quite get over the levels of cheeky fuckery I hear about on mumsnet!

MadeForThis · 13/01/2022 10:17

Send a lol 😂 emoji and block.

bumblefeline · 13/01/2022 10:19

Blimey they have a cheek. You have been very accommodating. I would have blocked them straight away.

Don't worry about virgin media, it's not your contract.

Original poster
Moaningturtle · 13/01/2022 10:20

I don’t know why I feel the need to always be nice and helpful, especially at my own detriment for complete strangers.

I’m 40 years old now and need to learn to say no. Is there some sort of assertiveness course I can go on?! Grin

OP posts:
Nekoness · 13/01/2022 10:20

Phone virgin and tell them their customers are no longer at this address and you declined to take over their contract. You have no idea what router they’re talking about. End of story.

Don’t feel guilty about the router. Virgin are assholes for demanding their boxes/routers are returned but taking months to send anyone to collect them. They basically want to stick you with a fee and when they can’t, they don’t bother picking up their (usually by then) outdated equipment.

Not your problem the previous owners didn’t ask you if you wanted to take over their contract before moving out and then packing the virgin router up with their belongings

LIZS · 13/01/2022 10:22

Only deal with them via estate agent. Block the number and decline any post or further communication on their behalf.

FinallyHere · 13/01/2022 10:22

I know it all seems like small stuff and I should probably just do it

This is absolute nonsense. You now own the house and everything in it. That's what vacant possession means as part of your purchase.

Just block them right away and certainly don't try and be helpful with their suppliers. Don't accept parcels. Don't try and find anything they left behind. No final warning. Nada

Why should you, it's absolutely their responsibility to sort all this before moving.

It's really not your problem and they are doing nothing to deserve any help above and beyond.

You do sound as if you are very keen to help them but think about if for a moment.

There is absolutely no contract between you and Virgin, so they cannot claim anything from you. You and the ex owners have signed a contact for sale of the house from them to you, which agreed vacant possession. The house and everything in it now belongs to you.

They can whistle for it.

If the previous owners had even kept to their side of the agreement rather than delaying moving out etc, it would be 'kind' of you to keep a few letters of their post for them to collect at a time to suit you.

They have done nothing to deserve your help, on the contrary, they have not even kept to their side of the deal.

Block. Now. Enjoy your lovely new home.

AgathaX · 13/01/2022 10:22

Definitely block. Give it no more thought. Their flakiness is not your problem.

WhosThatBehindTheFlask · 13/01/2022 10:23

Get mad Smile

Tell Virgin to do one - politely but firmly. Not your problem. Not your business.

Block old owners calls and messages. Refuse all post for them. Even if you go to the parcel depot and then find out a missed delivery was for them. Just leave it there.

Everyone will sort their shit out pretty quick when they can no longer take advantage of you to do it for them Grin

Original poster
Moaningturtle · 13/01/2022 10:25

Maybe my last contact will be a link to this thread, you women are fantastic Smile

OP posts:
Staryflight445 · 13/01/2022 10:27

Just reply
‘none of this is any of my responsibility, it’s been 3 months.
I will not tolerate any more contact, post, or you wanting me to deal with your issues. This stops, immediately.’

And block them and move on. Cheeky fuckers.

Doggydarling · 13/01/2022 10:28

Block now, if any post arrives don't accept it or just write 'not at this addess address' and stick it back in the post, same for parcels. Virgin has nothing to do with you so ignore and relax. If the previous owners have the neck to turn up at your house, remember it is your house, tell them to bugger off. And I hope you get more sleep soon, only 4 hours sounds like torture to me.