Tenant's Property

Other

Tenant gave notice to end tenancy on 02 January 2010. I was going to be abroad at that time so arranged for my friend to collect the keys. I gave the tenant her number - and also asked her to contact him. I also tried to contact him. I eventually got a text to say that he had moved out but that he would be returning to clean and pick up base of a sofa. Since then I have tried to get him to give me the keys. He occasionally answers my texts to say that he is coming to get the sofa. I now have tenants moving in on Friday. Last text was a week ago saying he would do it. He will not answer phone. I have texted constantly to tell him situation and that locks are getting changed on Thursday and I will have to dispose of sofa. I have nowhere to store a sofa so am I legally within my rights to dump it?