Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

Abandonment of Personal Property

A friend left a couch and tv at another friend's house saying she would come back to get it in two weeks. She tried to come get it once about 1 month after that but the people caring for it were unavailable. She has never again tried to contact or get her stuff. The people caring for it have tried contacting her but the number they had for her is now invalid. It has now been 7 months since she left her stuff and about 5 months since anyone has heard from her. How long does it have to be until the couch and tv have been considered abandoned? What can they legally do with the stuff if they do not wish to hold it forever? Can they give it away?


Asked on 4/25/07, 3:54 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Re: Abandonment of Personal Property

Generally speaking this is a bailment, and the care necessary is 'reasonable'. Based on your description, I would tell the people to send a letter by CMRRR to the last known address of the girl - even if it is a relative or friend -- and give her notice that within 10 days of the letter, the property will be disposed of as abandoned. Then either she will get the letter and the friends are 'covered' or the letter will be returned 'addressee unknown' and the friends can show the diligence they exercised.

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Answered on 4/26/07, 7:15 am


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