Must a landlord hold personal property you leave behind?

Answer 1

I believe the law varies from state to state, but always requires some time period. Here is the law for Washington:

Under the law, abandonment occurs when a tenant has both fallen behind in rent AND has clearly indicated by words or actions an intention not to continue living in the rental.

When a rental has been abandoned, the landlord may enter the unit and remove any abandoned property. It must then be stored in a reasonably secure place. A notice must be mailed to the tenant saying where the property is being stored, and when it will be sold. If the landlord does not have a new address for the tenant, the notice should be mailed to the rental address, so it can be forwarded by the post office.

How long the landlord must wait before selling the abandoned property depends on the value of the goods.

If the total value of the property is less than $50, the landlord must mail a notice of the sale to the tenant and then wait seven days. Family pictures, keepsakes, and personal papers cannot be sold until 45 days after the landlord mails the notice of abandonment.

If the total value of the property is more than $50, the landlord must mail a notice of the sale to the tenant and then wait 45 days. Personal papers, family pictures and keepsakes can be sold at the same time as other property.

If the tenant demands the return of the property before it is sold or disposed of, the landlord must return it, but may force the tenant to pay moving and storage costs. The landlord may not force the tenant to pay any back rent or other damages prior to returning the property.

Answer 2

BryanJ gave u great info, and yes the laws r different from state to state, in Tx. we must send notice just as bryanj stated and we must hold 30 days. Now there is 1 thing u did not mention, if u were evicted and were not there when the constable came, ur property is then removed from the apt. the constable requires the property to remove the items from the property example to the street, at that time it is now considered trash and anyone can take it. So if u were evicted u have no recourse, otherwise as I stated u have ur answer.

Answer 3

Nope. If you left it, it is his/her obligation to remove it for new tenants. If you didn't pay then they have the right to, put it on your credit report, and sell the items to recoup some of the costs. If they can't sell it they will throw it away. In either case whether you paid or not when you left, it is abandoned items and considered as such. unless you have a written agreement from the landlord.

Answer 4

Nope it's up 2 U not no landlord

Answer 5

Depends on what state you live in...in Calif. it's 18 days if it's determined it's not junk by the landlord....and you can reclaim it after paying a reasonable storage fee to the landlord.

Answer 6

She could be waiting to report a lien on those vehicles yet first she has to take him to court docket & sue for the back hire owed. She merely can not take someones sources without a court docket order.

Answer 7

They have to for a certain amount of time but they can charge you for storage fees. Once the time limit is up they can throw it away and still charge you for the time it was stored.

Answer 8

NO IF YOU LEAVE IT BEHIND THEN YOU MUST NOT HAVE WANTED IT! THE LAND LORD HAS THE RIGHT TO DISPOSE OF ALL PROPERTY LEFT BEHIND.

Answer 9

the law varies from state to state. i would say the answer in most states would be no.

Answer 10

i htink they can hold it up to 30 days