Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Lanlord keeping personal property

I was married last year and moved into my wife's home. My wife's Grandfather offered to let me store most of my possessions in an empty building behind one of his many rentals (for free). Recently my wife has had a falling out with him and he won't unlock the unit and allow me to move my possessions out of storage on his property.

I've been asking for access for over two weeks, and he ignores my requests.

Can he legally keep my property? How can I get access to my belongings?


Asked on 7/06/07, 5:48 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert L. Bennett Law offices of Robert L. Bennett

Re: Lanlord keeping personal property

This is considered a conversion. He can't legally keep your property.

I suggest writing a certified letter (return receipt) to Grandpa, and telling him you will seek legal action.

If that doesn't produce results, you can file in Small Claims Court, although you are basically looking at recovering the value, rather than forcing him to give up the property.

Also, you may want to have an attorney write a strong letter, then decide what is your next move if this does not produce results.

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Answered on 7/06/07, 6:09 pm


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