Can I be charged with theft by deception for not returning rent-to-own merchandise?

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Can I be charged with theft by deception for not returning rent-to-own merchandise?

I rented furniture and the complex that I was living in became infested with bed bugs. The rental company refused to pick it up after inspecting it. Now they are threatening to charge me with theft by deception.

Asked on October 28, 2011 under General Practice, Kentucky

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

From what you write, you have *not* committed theft by deception, or any kind of theft: you have taken or converted the furniture for you own use, but rather, apparently had the furniture available to be picked up, but the store/company refused to take it.

Possibly, they could consider that you have destroyed the furniture, if it is too infested by bedbugs to take back. If that is the case, then while you would seem to not be criminally liable, they could hold you accountable for the value of the furniture and sue you if you do not pay it voluntarily. You in turn might be able to sue the building or another tenant, if either is responsible for the infestation.


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