3 Responses to “What happens to personal property left behind by a roommate?”

1. mikeyc06010
   Comment by mikeyc06010 | 04/05/09 at 3:24 am

   Semi truck parts

   To cover yourself I would send a certified letter to the ex roomy stating that they ahve a certain period of time(10 days) to remove the items otherwise you will do it for him/her. I would not leave it behind as the landlord or property manager can charge you for cleaning out the aprtment afterward.
   Good Luck

2. CMR2006
   Comment by CMR2006 | 04/05/09 at 8:29 am

   Mar Vista Homes

   This answer varies from state to state, but the basics are the same everywhere:
   Property abondoned by tenants is up to the landlord to store/dispose of. If the property is of more than x amount in real market value (garage sale prices), then they must store it for a minimum period of time, and then dispose of it through a sale. Proceeds from this sale minus the landlord’s costs then need to be forwarded to the tenant along with an accounting.
   If the property is not worth more than x amount in real market value, then the landlord may dispose of the property in any method allowed by law and pass the costs along to the former tenant.
   Since you say that the belongings are your ex-roomate’s, I would contact them and let them know you are ready to leave the items behind and that these are the possibilities.

   NOTE: be aware that YOU may be charged by your landlord for the disposal of these items.

   Check with your local legal aide office or an attorney for the specific laws applicable in your state.

3. grneyz
   Comment by grneyz | 04/07/09 at 9:31 pm

   Sacramento office space

   Here is a good guideline of what a landlord does when dealing with a tenant’s possessions.

Comments are closed