Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Massachusetts

Re: Property left behind

I wouldn't suggest actually throwing his things away. He could very well come back and sue you for conversion.

Is there another place you could keep his stuff? Perhaps your parent's house or even contact his family and ask to move his things there.

You don't have a responsibility to continually notify him of the status of his things but I would keep it around until he contacts you looking for them.

Re: Property left behind

If you have given him notice, including certified mail notice, you have little further obligation to him. I would keep them a week or so beyond the deadline. After that, I would dispose of them. Rather than putting them to the curb, you might have a charity come pick them up.

As to the keying of the car, I suggest video surveillance.

As Mr. Chong notes, there is a theoretical action against you for conversion if you dispose of his items. However, what you have done by sending him certified mail (if it was received) is notify him of the termination of the bailment arrangement you had. I doubt that a court would be awfully sympathetic to him in this situation.