We have a rental home in Illinois and our tenant of 2 months had left to go see his father on the east coast for 3 - 4 days. That has been nearly 3 weeks ago. He will not return our calls to the only number we have available so we can find out what his intentions are. Our dilema is we don't know what to do with his personal belongings (clothing, small appliances etc.) that he left behind. The house was partially furnished when he moved in so he didn't have to furnish many big items. We want to be as fair as we can and not violate any laws. His rent is now overdue as well. And to complicate things even more the rental house he was staying in is being bought out under eminent domain by the State and now they are ready to negotiate. He was aware of this signing the lease which is why we have him on a month to month tenancy. I appreciate any information you can offer.
2007-05-09 07:36:49 · 6 answers · asked by kimmer 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
If you know of an address the contact him at then I would send him a final notice letter explaining the circumstances and giving him a week or two to decide what should be done with his belongings. If he does not reply then I would either box them up and store them (if not a major inconvenience) or give them to charity. I also think that a phone message from a credible lawyer would make him reply a call or at least do the same as a delivered letter may do.
It is not your responsibility to deal with this guys abandoned things. Make a point that something will be done and then when time is up move on to the negotiation process with the State.
2007-05-09 07:45:01 · answer #1 · answered by Jayne 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In Virginia if a tenant abandons a property the landlord has the right to recalim his property. We generally would try to contact them if they have any number, otherwise it is legal to set their belongings on the street and fix the property back to rerent. If they really wanted things they most likely would have taken them when they left. I have never stored anyone's stuff and have never gotten into trouble for doing this. Check with the local Sheriff's Department about the laws. If they won't help then ask a Real Estate attorney.
2007-05-09 14:53:13 · answer #2 · answered by david s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the Attorney General's office in your area for landlord/tenant rights. Also, ask them to mail you a copy of the laws.
There should be an abandonment notice you can post on his door allowing him a certain period of time before going in and removing and storing his personal items.
But your best option is to find out your rights in your State first.
Good luck!
2007-05-10 00:32:53 · answer #3 · answered by karen 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Contact a lawyer and ask questions about legal procedures that you can take. If he is late on his rent anyway send him a notice. If he does not respond with in proper timing then you can remove his belongings legally. He might not have any intentions on comming back to jthe property. Or just give it another week or two like you said it's been 3 weeks. But, still send him a notice.
2007-05-16 12:40:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think apartment complexes put the items in storage for a period of time, and if they're not claimed by the time it's up, they sell or donate them. I don't know what the laws are in Illinois, but that seems to be to be the fair thing to do. (And if he does claim the stuff, make sure he pays the storage fees!!!)
2007-05-09 14:44:28 · answer #5 · answered by zippythejessi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check your state laws very carefully. Generally, you must go through a legal eviction process before you can take possession of his items. Most states have rules for the length of time you must store the items before you can legally claim them or dispose of them.
2007-05-14 18:47:09 · answer #6 · answered by acermill 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋