Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

former roomate has not picked up personal belongings after moving out

A former roommate moved out and asked if I could store personal belongings, including furniture, until they were able to secure an apartment or house. I agreed to do so on a temporary basis with the understanding that the belongings would be picked up in a timely fashion. This was agreed to by both parties.

Over the past six months, I have repeatedly asked this person when they were coming to pick up their belongings. Several different dates were agreed upon and the other party failed to show up.

These items are taking up a large part of my garage area. How long must I continue to store their belongings before disposal of them?


Asked on 9/27/05, 8:19 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Walter LeVine Walter D. LeVine, Esq.

Re: former roomate has not picked up personal belongings after moving out

I presume there was nothing in writing. You could be responsible if anything is damaged. I suggest you notify the person, in writing and mailed by both certified mail and regular mail, simply explaining the situation, your concerns and giving him/her some short time period to remove the property. You can state in the letter that if the property is not removed timely, you will impose storage charges, any insurance costs, or cause the property to be thrown out or sold. If there is no answer and the property is not timely removed, I suggest you send another letter giving a date on which the property will be thrown out or sold, and then do it.

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Answered on 9/28/05, 11:46 am


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