Seattle, WA asked in Personal Injury, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Oregon

Q: Can someone that I was living with, rent-free, for ninety-four nights, put all my belongings outside on her front porch?

(I had keys to the house and the porch is open and visible, so you can see right into it.) I had to leave on very short notice, this past Saturday. I do not own a car and I can only carry so many things with me. We agreed that I would come back today to get the rest of my things. I texted her yesterday confirming that I would be there today and making sure that it was okay if I texted her before I came there. She returned my text saying okay. Approximately forty-five minutes ago, she texted me telling me that she put all my belongings out on the porch, including my medicines (one is kept in the refrigerator), and to come get everything.

2 Lawyer Answers
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
Answered

A: Go get the stuff.Ask friends, family for help. Legally you have an argument to make but your stuff get's taken you don't want to be tied up making arguments--spend the time getting a ride. A cab if you have some money. Free rent that long means she's going to get the sympathy.

Gregory L Abbott
Gregory L Abbott
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Portland, OR
  • Licensed in Oregon

A: Her actions do not comply with her legal obligations regarding the disposition of your personal property - but so far you have no damages and ideally you can keep it that way. Just get your property and go from there. You likely could not have been forced out without adequate notice and court action but that is a separate issue and you appear to have already left anyway so that point is likely to be moot.

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