Q: Hi, my roommate (ex) moved out of our mobile home, which is in my name , without notice and left belongings. How long
How long until I can get rid of them. Only my name is on the house or lease and I live in Maryland. He also left with unpaid rent, electric and water.
A: To be safe, send/serve him with written notice that he make reasonable arrangements within 30 days to come pick up his property, or failing that, you will deem the items to be abandoned property and will dispose of them in any manner expedient to you. Take photographs of the items, so as to make a complete record of what the items are and their condition. This is to protect you from claims he left the items in better condition or that he left more expensive items than were there, as he may sue you for the difference in value or make that claim as a counter-claim to offset any suit for unpaid rent and utilities (yes, this happens all the time and has been a frequent topic on this and other legal forums). If he fails to respond within the time given him, you can trash the items, keep them, sell them, donate them, whatever works for you. As for the unpaid rent and utilities, that's a Small Claims action for beach of lease or agreement. If you sell his propety and receive money, then you should reduce what he owes by the amounts received, minus costs of sale.
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