Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Property Abandoned at Residence

A person asked to leave some speakers and a PA at my house for a couple of weeks. I told them yes but only for a couple of weeks because the house is small and the stuff takes up a lot of room. This was two years ago and I have not heard from the person since they left the stuff. I do not have the first clue on how to get in contact with this person or even if the person is still alive. Having these items in my house is preventing me from getting things that I want. Considering I do not know how to get in touch with this person and have not heard from them in two years, can I legally sell or just get rid of this stuff?


Asked on 3/11/06, 5:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Re: Property Abandoned at Residence

I'm sure a charity would welcome the stuff. The statute of limitation for the former owner to sue for trespass to chattel or conversion is three years. Thus, you might have to wait a while or hire an investigator to locate the person, then perhaps sue in small claims court for recovery of the cost of the investigator and a reasonable cost for your inconvenience in storing the stuff. If the person's name is not that common, perhaps I might be able to help you locate the person.

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Answered on 3/12/06, 3:12 am


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