Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania
property law: Renter moved out 2 months ago, but left all their furniture and refuse to pay rent owed or even storage. We can not rent the home. Can we remove the furniture? Sell the furniture for money owed?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Hi, my name is Andrea and I am a Licensed, practicing, Pennsylvania Attorney. You will have problem tenants like this from time to time. In order to protect yourself from liability to the former tenant, you must first write to the tenant, informing him/her that they have 30 days to remove their property and if it is not removed, it will be disposed of and you will not have any liability to the former tenant. You can get a forwarding address by writing to the post office (c/o US Postmaster) requesting a forwarding address under the Freedom of Information Act. You need to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope and their fee (might still be $10.00) and ask for a forwarding address of --(use full name of former tenant).
Once you send the letter and 30 days have elapsed without any word from the former tenant, you can dispose of their property without any liability to them.