Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Illinois

Moved out by Roomate (I was there 1st)

I lived in this apartment for 8 months, and I was paying rent still. One day I received an email from my roomate saying that he'd put all my belongings on the porch outside. He said he could do this because on August 1st, I hadn't paid the rent, however my business was with the landlord not him. I have been working a lot and I have been trying to move my stuff but I fear it has been already thrown away or destroyed. When I tried to contact people to get the rest I wasn't getting a response. I am wondering if it is too late to do anything, and if so, can I get my stuff back.


Asked on 11/13/07, 9:46 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mary McDonagh McDonagh-Faherty Law Offices

Re: Moved out by Roomate (I was there 1st)

Your roommate cannot just put your stuff outside. As you said, your beef was with the landlord. As far as whether you can get your stuff, it depends on the time period that has passed. Property can be viewed as abandoned if you leave it too long. If it's not too long, you should write a certified letter, return receipt, to ask for your stuff back so that you have proof you did so. After that, you can sue for the return/damages.

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Answered on 11/28/07, 4:01 pm


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