If my roommate moved out and left belongs, how long do I have to hold on to them or can I get rid of them?
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If my roommate moved out and left belongs, how long do I have to hold on to them or can I get rid of them?
Asked on June 23, 2015 under Real Estate Law, Michigan
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
If it appears that your roommate has moved out for good, best thing to do is to send him or her a letter, some way or ways you can prove delivery, like certified mail with return receipt (if you don't have a new address, cert. mail to the last known address--your place--with "please forward" written on the envelope). The letter should state that your roomate has 30 days from receipt of the letter to take his or her belongings and that after that, they will be deemed abandoned and you will dispose of them however you see fit. If they don't get the items by the deadline, then you should be able to safely dispose of them. File a copy of the letter and proof of delivery away for later, on the off chance your roommate tries to claim you illegally disposed of his/her belongings.
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