Q: In NYS, what should a landlord do if a tenant abandons their unit and belongings without paying rent?
Tenant has been experiencing mental health crisis and had escalating conflict with housemates involving many police calls and crisis services visits. They left no contact information and there is no contact information for family. The other housemates are moving out (no penalty, it's understandably a very difficult situation). What are the landlord's obligations and options in terms of re-renting the unit? What should be done with the tenant's belongings? I know it's important to serve notice when taking action, but I'm not clear on how to do that without any contact information. Thanks for your time and assistance.
A: You must retain the tenant's belongings in safekeeping for a reasonable time (usually 30 days). If the tenant does not contact you to reclaim them, you may dispose of them whichever way you like.
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