Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Florida

Tenant's Property After Eviction

i was evicted from an apartment in palm beach county. i did not have time to remove all my property from my apartment before it was taken out. i went back to my old apartment and all the locks had been changed, but the back door was left unlocked. i entered the apartment for the reason of removing my belongings, but they were gone. where are they and how do i get them back? also can the landlord or sherrif keep my belongings without my permission?


Asked on 12/31/00, 2:55 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Wendell Finner Wendell Finner, P.A.

Re: Tenant's Property After Eviction

A landlord may remove personal property "to the property line" in an eviction. If the landlord or sheriff keeps it instead they may be liable for the return of the property or payment of its value. The landlord will have a counterclaim for unpaid rent. If the property is extremely valuable it may be worthwhile to consult an attorney since in some cases the claim may be for three times the property's value under the civil theft statute.

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Answered on 1/04/01, 9:12 am


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