Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New York

Abandoned items in rental property

Tenant moved out 2 months ago, do I have obligation to store property left behind. Voluntarily moved no eviction. They left some furnishings, no ''personal'' items ie: clothes. I have not heard from them since they moved. Can I charge for clean up and removal of items?


Asked on 3/17/04, 1:36 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Andrew Nitzberg Andrew Nitzberg & Associates

Re: Abandoned items in rental property

Yes. You may subtract the clean-up and moving fees from the security deposit or, if there is no security deposit, then you may bill the tenant for these fees.

You may also sell or auction off the items and apply the money to the debt.

You are welcome to a consultation for no fee at my offices at 42 West 44th Street, New York, NY. Please call for an appointment first; (646)- 591-5786

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Answered on 3/17/04, 3:00 pm
Stephen Loeb Law Office of Stephen R. Loeb

Re: Abandoned items in rental property

You must hold the items for a reasonable amount of time but you can certainly charge for storage and removal.

If you are certain the items are abandoned you may remove them.

Should you like to discuss this or any other legal matter, you can call my office to schedule an appointment for a consultation or in the alternative, I can be reached for on-phone low-cost legal consultation at 1-800-275-5336 x0233699.

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Answered on 3/17/04, 4:19 pm


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