Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Arizona
My tenant vacated my property and surrendered keys in response to a five day notice for non payment of rent for two months. I entered the property after verifying she had left and surrendered keys, and visually seeing she had left the back door wide open. The utilities are not on and the refrigerator is full of spoiling food. Additionally she left furniture and personal belongings throughout the home. I need to start cleaning the place and particularly get rid of the spoiling food as well as all the dry goods left in all the cupboards. There is extensive damage to the carpet due to pet urine stains. At this point can I throw away the spoiling food? Can I get utilities in my name? Can I change the locks at this point since she has surrendered keys? Do I have to hold on to furniture and other personal possessions for 21 days? Please advise.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Once the keys are surrendered you have the right to the premises, you can change locks, and any property left is abandoned. Be sure you take plenty of photos before you move anything. You should not have any problem getting the utilities in your name. I can't tell you how many times I've had to hire a dumpster to get rid of other peoples' junk!
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