Q: When can I sell my old roommate's items after they moved out?
My ex fiancé moved out when I was at work and moved across the country. I texted him to come get his stuff and the ring but no answer. Then he blocked me. It has been a month. He also stopped paying rent and removed himself from the lease. How long until I can sell the remaining items he left behind? I still have the engagement ring too. But he blocked me and won't contact me. What do I do with the ring as well?
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A:
First, check your state’s laws on abandoned property to determine how long you need to hold onto his items before you can legally sell them. Generally, you might need to give written notice and a reasonable period, like 30-60 days, for him to reclaim his belongings. Document your attempts to contact him, including texts and any other communication.
For the engagement ring, the laws on whether you can keep or sell it vary by state. Often, the ring is considered a gift contingent on marriage, so if the engagement was broken off by him, you may have the right to keep it. However, it might be wise to consult with a legal advisor to ensure you handle this correctly.
In the meantime, store his items securely and keep a record of their condition. If he doesn’t respond within the required time frame and you have followed the legal steps, you may then consider selling or disposing of the items.
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