How long do I hold possessions left after a roommate moved out?
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How long do I hold possessions left after a roommate moved out?
My roommate gave a 30 days notice, moved out but left some possessions. What do I need to do with them? How long do I need to hold them before I can get rid of them?
Asked on February 3, 2012 under Real Estate Law, California
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Good question. The first thing that I would do is write your former roommate of the need to pick up his or her left behind possessions by a certain date and if not picked up, you will have the option of disposing of them. Keep a copy of the letter for future need and reference.
If the items are not picked up by the stated date, you have the following options:
1. if the items left behind are realistically worth less than $300.00, you can dispose of them any way you want.
2. if worth more than $300.00, I suggest that you take the items to an offsite storage center and place them in storage in the former roommate's name and current mailing address. Mail the rental agreement to the former roommate advising him or her of the need to make payments or the offsite rental company will auction off the items to pay unpaid back rent.
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