Q: Former roommate moved away but left things in my house, saying she'll get them later. Can I dispose of them?
My former roommate got married, bought a house, and moved out of my house. However, she left a LOT of things here. She keeps saying that she'll come and get them, but she hasn't yet. She was paying rent while she was living here, and after a recent argument, she paid rent for another week, promising that she'll get the stuff then. If she doesn't, how long do I have to wait before throwing it away, and what legal implications are there? I'm in Florida.
A: Write a letter giving them 20 days from receipt (use delivery confirmation) to come get the stuff. If no show, take photos of all the stuff as you pack it all up and then take all of it to Salvation Army and get a detailed dated receipt. Keep anything valuable just in case the get noisy about it.
A: You will need to file an eviction lawsuit to remove the belongings.
A: F.S. 715.104 speaks to property left in premises by former tenant. You should send a letter giving your former roommate at least 15 days to remove the property. If no response or no removal and the value of the property is less than $500 you can dispose if it as you wish. If more than $500 F.S. 715.109 describes how you have to advertise to have a sale of the property.
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