What can I do now if I was evicted and my personal items were were thrown out?
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What can I do now if I was evicted and my personal items were were thrown out?
I was recently evicted from my apartment after being there for a year. I was given 1 day to recover my belongings but still was not able to get everything. I told the person who was to lock up after I left, that I would return for the rest. I was told that I had 30 days for the rest of my property. Except it would be packed out by the staff and placed in storage. I called to make an appointment to pick it up when I was told they trashed it. I had things in there that were dear to me as well as worth money. Not a terrible amount but still worth enough to become really upset about. What can I do?
Asked on December 29, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Nevada
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If you were evicted from the unit that you were occupying and you moved out leaving some items behind with the clear understanding with the landlord that you would return within a set time period to retrieve the belongings, he or she should have allowed you to do so.
For the former landlord to have removed your personal effects and disposed of them in the trash receptable or some other place knowing that you were returning to get the items was legally wrong. From what you have written, you have the factual and legal basis for bringing a legal action against the former landlord for the destruction of your personal property in an amount equal to fair market value. You might wish to consult with a landlord tenant attorney further about your situation.
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