When a tenant leaves their belongings behind how long do they have to claim them?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

When a tenant leaves their belongings behind how long do they have to claim them?

I had a roommate who refused to pay half the bills (rent, power, cable). I then gave her a paper saying before she moves out she will also have to repair the holes she left in the wall. She moved out on the 17th and grabbed most of her cloths. On the 18th she came back and took the rest of her belongings, but like everyone does left a handful of things behind. Now 2 days later she is saying that I stole them.

Asked on February 20, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Idaho

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

If your former roommate left items behind upon move out, I suggest that you simply allow her to take possession of the items after she sign a a receipt for them. To determine abandonment is an issue of intent under the facts of a given situation and the mere leaving of items behind for 30 days or less does not under the law amount to an abandonment of the belongings from what you have written.

The two day period does not amount to an abandonment of the items under the law.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption