Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Washington

Took our belongings in frclsr/evic, can they keep?

We were foreclosed upon and after a year of fighting, evicted by the Sherriff. The majority of our belongings were taken to storage, we know not where. The Sherriff gave us contact for the storage and the bank but no one ever returned our calls. Can they just keep a lifetime of possessions and do what they want? The paperwork said we had 45 days to claim, but we couldn't claim as no one would talk to us.


Asked on 8/08/08, 6:32 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Amir John Showrai The Pacific Law Firm, PLLC

Re: Took our belongings in frclsr/evic, can they keep?

You say that you know not where you belongings were taken but that the sheriff gave you contact information for the storage. Why not look them up online and go physically visit their office with copies of your paperwork to reclaim your possessions? Maybe I am missing something, but that part is unclear to me.

As for whether they can keep it, the answer is maybe. Since they impounded your possessions on the basis that you did not clear them out of the home after you were notified that possession of the home would be taken from you, the law considers that you left your possessions in the home at your own risk.

Just like when you park your car where it does not belong and it is towed, and when you want to get it out of impound you have to pay a fee, I expect that you will have to pay a fee for the return of your possessions. If they are not claimed by the deadline, then the impound or storage company has the right to auction your goods off and keep 100% of the profits.

I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news on this one, and I wish you luck in recovering your goods.

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Answered on 8/08/08, 7:16 pm


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