If I bought a house 2 weeks ago that had squatters in it who left their stuff in the garage, do I have a right to sell/trash what they left?

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If I bought a house 2 weeks ago that had squatters in it who left their stuff in the garage, do I have a right to sell/trash what they left?

I gave them until this Friday to come get their stuff out of the garage, but have yet to hear from them. If they do not come get it, do I have the right to get rid of it? It is also possible that some things are stolen, as these squatters were very heavily substance abusers.

Asked on July 30, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Arizona

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

Since you were never the landlord for the unit you purchased and the prior owner had no tenants in place at the time you closed escrow, you can dispose of the items left in the home that you purchased any way you deem fit in that such items would be deemed abandoned under the law.


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