Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California
HI!
Do I legally have to return the key to a house that I moved out of? Even though the key never worked and my landlord did not provide me w/ one (I copied my roommates) she is asking for it. Also - how long does my landlord have to keep items left behind before she may keep or throw them out?
thanks, Kristin
1 Answer from Attorneys
Yes you must return all keys or technically they can charge you rent. As long as you have a key you have theoretical access and that means you could be charged for not leaving the premises. If you left things behind that makes it even worse. You need to stop messing around with LawGuru questions, return the key and get your things, before you get in real trouble. If you don't want the things, return the key and give written permission for the landlord to dispose of them.