Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida

My tenant died last night and was renting from me. Now I want to clean out the place .Her cat wouldn't let me pick it up .So I opened the door and let it outside. .

My tenant was over a month late on her rent.There is some cash on the table and God knows what else is in there.I don't know her family or friends.However ,I would like her family to have the cash and her other things,if she has family that is.I'm not looking for the rent,

She has a cell phone there . I was thinking of calling the numbers and letting those people know.

If I can't find her family how long should I wait before I clean the place out.

I will clean up the spot she died in tomorrow .Also,I'll put that stuff outside.

Thanks,

Frank


Asked on 10/23/10, 6:06 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Shelly Schellenberg MI & FL private practice

Frank, stop what you are doing. Your tenant died last night, and you have already let her cat loose, and today you want to "clean the place out"?

You should have called animal control for the cat, if it shows up, please contact animal control to have them come and rescue it. If she was found dead in the apartment, were the police called? Do not dispose of her personal articles, or put them outside. If you must "clean up" where she died, make sure that the police are not intending an investigation of her death. The police or the coroner may be able to help you to find her friends/family. Using her cell phone may be a way to find these folks. Give her family an opportunity to come for her cat and personal things. You will be held accountable for her personal possessions, so get a written receipt for an itemized list from the person who takes the items.

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Answered on 10/28/10, 7:11 am


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