I have a property in wisconsin and this tenant lived in the apartment for 5 months and literally trashed the place. She left after my 30 day and 5 day notice to vacate. But she left her sofa with traces of molds in the basement, dirty and old fridge, junk washer, a lot of junk in every rooms, and she even took out the main door.
I know she moved out already, but can I just dispose everything she left?
I asked a landlord and he told me that technically we still have to evict her because she hasn’t surrendered the keys. But if I’m sure that she left already, it’s my discretion to dispose it or keep it for 6 months in the basement.
Any comments on this one?
Thanks!
it varies state to state, but what you have is “abandonment”. In some states, posting a notice on the door for some period of time (1-3 day) is sufficent prior to entry and “officially” retaking possession of the unit.
As for her stuff, probably sending a letter to the last known address woudl be a good way to go (even if it is the unit itself). If the post office sends it back to you, then you have proof that you attempted to make contact to the owner.
Aak’s ideas sound good. I heard after 30 days of vacating - items are deemed abandoned, but check your state. Also, make sure your letter to the tenant is Certified/Return Receipt - they’ll need to sign for it and then even if it is not delivered - you have proof you did try.
And I’d think you should probably change the locks?
Good luck …
As everyone else said, you should check with your state laws - but then what? In the real world, you can choose to follow your state laws (probably meaning an eviction) or you can throw out the junk and move on with your life. The legal way is of course the “right” way to do it, but it will probably cost you a bunch of money. If you throw out the junk, the tenant may return and claim that the junk was worth a fortune. With the right contingency or legal aid lawyer on their side, you could be in trouble. Risk vs. reward.
Mike
I agree with all. Except the key return because a house with no door don’t need keys IMO. I have to give a 72hr posted notice to remove. I also think that it has to sit for 30 days first plus a few hours with the county cop… I only do this on vehicles but should do it on all stuff by law. Ask for your door back too!