Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Ohio

We had a room mate move out over 4 months ago. While cleaning our attic we found some items belonging to him and have tried contacting him to see if he would still want them. He has not contacted us back at all and these few things left are what was left behind. It has been over 4 months now and nothing. We were wondering if we are allowed to sell/ throw away his remaining items since he has not contacted us about them and has made no effort to come and get the items.


Asked on 10/21/14, 3:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Eric Willison Eric Eastman Willison

In Ohio, you could take the position that these are abandoned items and that those who find them are the ones with the highest possessory interest in them. So long as the items are not titled items like a car which have to be registered with some governmental organization, then you would likely be able to successfully assert ownership.

However, you will want to have some proof that you attempted to contact the roommate all those times. That would mean that you would want to keep records of your text messages you sent him, any emails you sent him, or any letters you sent him through the mail. If this situation ever went sideways and he went to a prosecutor to accuse you of theft, most prosecutors would lay off if you could show them solid evidence of several efforts to contact him about the stuff and his ignoring you.

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Answered on 10/21/14, 6:49 pm


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