How can I legally remove a relative’s junk from my property?
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How can I legally remove a relative’s junk from my property?
I inherited property from my mom when she passed. This was her old home place growing up. My uncle has always had all kinds of junk on the property (cars, dump trucks, machinery, etc.). I recently got a certified letter from Code Enforcement citing me for junk storage. I want to get rid of all the stuff to avoid fines and penalties, but here is the problem, my uncle does not and has never had a permanent physical address. The last I heard he was in jail for simple assault. What do I need to do to legally be able to remove this stuff from property?
Asked on April 27, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Georgia
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
If you inherited the property, and your uncle is not living there, you may wish to seek counsel to serve him notice in jail based on statute of your intention to get rid of the junk. Further, you will absolutely need to contact code enforcement, inform them of your debacle and see if they can submit something to you that you can include with your letter to your uncle in jail explaining why you are required to get rid of the material. Even if you simply just get rid of the material, take pictures (lots of pictures) and if he ever returns and tries to sue you for the worth, you can show the court that it would be nominal damages like maybe $20.00 or so, if that. Bottom line, the code enforcement issue takes priority over his sense of entitlement.
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