How long am I obligated to hold a former tenant’s belongings before they are forfeited?
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How long am I obligated to hold a former tenant’s belongings before they are forfeited?
They moved out about 3 weeks ago.
Asked on April 5, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Arkansas
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Good question. I would write your former tenants that moved out three weeks ago giving them 30 days to retrieve their belongings. Keep a copy of the letter for future use and need.
If the 30 day period comes and goes without retrievel, you can dispose of the items any way you desire if you believe that they are worth less than $300. If you believe that they are worth more than $300, you should take them to an offsite storage facility and place them them in storage under the former tenant's name. Send the former tenant a letter with a copy of the offsite lease advising him/her that if the rent is not paid, the offsite facility will auction off the items to pay for overdue rent. Keep a copy of this letter for future use and reference.
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