Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

A friend of mine moved out of state on a temp basis and he stored some of his belongings at my home. We have had a falling out and I have asked him to make arraignments to remove his property from my home. He has not replied. I have emailed and called him and just recently send a certified letter to the only address I have for him. How long must I keep his belongings before I can dispose of them?


Asked on 1/05/11, 4:54 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

The key word here is "reasonable." You need to give him reasonable notice and a reasonable opportunity to make a pick-up. If he doesn't, you may dispose of the belongings in a "commercially-reasonable" manner. This may mean a trip to the dump if the stuff is truly worthless, but more often than not some items should be disposed of on eBay, at a pawn shop, by garage sale, or through ads or dealers. You can deduct your actual expenses, but any balance belongs to your friend and you must keep it for him.

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Answered on 1/11/11, 10:09 am


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