Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Roomate Stole Property, Landlord gave it back

In 8/03, my roomate moved out of our apartment nearly a month early while I was on vacation. He took furniture with him that we had purchased together from a friend. Instead of a cash arrangement to buy out the other's share, we made a verbal agreement on which of the furniture we each would retain. Instead, he took my share as well as his own. He stored this property in a garage in the building where I live. After a lengthy process, the landlord succeeded in evicting him from the garage in 12/03. After the lockout occurred, the landlord waited 3 weeks and then opened the garage and released my furniture back to me. My ex-roomate is demanding that I release 'his' property back to him, and is alleging that I am in possession of 'stolen goods'. I have a cashed check for part of what I paid for the furniture- I don't know if he has any proof of ownership. What do I do?


Asked on 2/21/04, 6:17 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Martin Snitow

Re: Roomate Stole Property, Landlord gave it back

Joke: You are in possession of stolen goods. Your roommate stole them and you stole them back. :)

More seriously, you should write him a letter with a copy of your check and remind him that you paid part of the cost of the furniture. Offer him the choice to buy it at a price you think is fair for the 50% of the furniture you own or to sell his 50% to you at that price.

Since the furniture is used, presumably the fair price for a 50% interest will be less than the amount of your check.

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Answered on 2/22/04, 7:58 am


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