A Tenant’s Left Behind Belongings

A situation may arise, where you as a landlord might find a tenant has skipped out, without paying last month’s rent, taking the keys to the property, while leaving behind a few of his / her belongings. You may well ask, what is to be done with the abandoned items.

No doubt, you are so angry that all can think of is hurling the stuff to kingdom come, however, resist the impulse. Unfair as it may seem, certain laws exist in a number of states, whereby before the abandoned property is discarded, it has to be determined, whether it is worth anything, in order to stay on the right side of the law. As well, the tenant has to be informed about his / her belongings that are in your possession, and which you are intending to sell, unless claimed.

More than a little complicated, it is worthwhile to make sure you know the ropes, to avoid future tenants pulling similar stunts on you. Certainly, who wants to find oneself sued for destruction of property, especially property that has been disposed off, even though it did not belong to you, without heeding the rules?

That apart, landlords should make themselves cognisant with all rules and regulations before drafting a lease, and must take all necessary precautions, such as, screening tenants and conducting background checks on prospective tenants, including ensuring all promises in the rental lease are adhered to, as their insurance for a litigation free landlord / tenant relationship. A simple click of the mouse and any landlord or property manager can visit www.e-renter.com for tenant screening and background check services. www.e-renter.com, the best tenant screening agency in America!