What Do I Do With Items Left Behind After an Eviction?
One of the most unpleasant aspects of being a landlord is dealing with an eviction. It’s a legal process that takes time and can be very stressful, not to mention expensive. After going through all the steps of evicting your tenant, you will likely still need to handle the belongings left behind when they vacated the property. It is always best to check your state laws prior to selling or disposing of property. At A-1 Hauling, we've put together some tips on how to handle the items former tenants have left behind.
Educate Yourself on the Laws and Your Rights
It is essential to understand your rights as a landlord, which will vary from state to state. Educate yourself on the laws in your area, and keep a copy of any relevant legislation for your records. Knowing what you are allowed and not allowed to do can save you time and money down the road.
Before removing any possessions from the property, you want to check the local property and tenant laws to ensure you are within the law when you take action. In some cases, your tenant may still have rights to the items left in the apartment. Pittsburgh has its own set of procedures that landlords are required to follow prior to getting rid of the items.
In some cases, a tenant may return for their items long after their legal notice period has expired, expecting to receive their items or the value of the items. Each state has laws about what the former tenant can and can't receive. If the items were sold, then the tenant may be able to receive the remaining proceeds. If the items were sold or disposed of, the tenant will not typically have any rights to the proceeds from the sale.
It's always best to check your state laws on how long to keep the abandoned property. These laws change frequently, so be sure to stay updated. If your state laws indicate that the property is now in your possession, then you can donate or sell the items based on your preferences.
Collect and Dump Any Trash
You can start by clearing any trash out of the unit and putting it out for garbage collection. This includes anything that is not clearly an essential piece of personal property, which can typically be removed without any other requirements.
Sell the Items or Keep Them
In many states, you may be required to hold a public sale for abandoned items. This can be set up through a local bond agency. Proceeds can cover your costs for storing, selling, and advertising the items. Based on state law, you may be able to keep the rest of the proceeds, or you may need to pay the balance to the state. If there are no limitations put forth by the state, you can sell the items as you see fit or keep the items.
Haul the Items Away
If you have furniture or other large items you'd like to remove from the property, be sure to contact A-1 Hauling for property cleanouts. We can help you haul away your junk or donations and take them to the proper place for disposal.
Our team is experienced in eviction cleanouts and can help make the process smooth for you, allowing you to focus on managing your property. Contact us today to learn more!
Author: Ed Wilkins
Ed Wilkins is the founder and owner of A-1 Hauling, a company celebrated for its integrity and dedication to providing top-notch hauling services. With a foundation built on honesty, trustworthiness, and hard work, Ed and his team have earned a reputation for delivering safe, gentle, and stress-free services to their clients.
