Personal Property Removal

[Jonathan G.]

First foreclosure auction purchase from auction.com. If nobody is living in the property and it is full of random junk and garbage, are you allowed to clean it out and trash everything? Property has random stuff, like they left in a hurry and left some behind all over house. Do you have to contact the individual? FYI I just received the deed for the property from attorneys office. Really want to get started on cleaning and replacing everything, place is nasty. Thanks

[Brian Ploszay]

I would consult an eviction attorney, just to protect yourself.    If the property is clearly abandoned, with lights off, water off, rotten food, no signs of living there, document it with photos.   That is enough to show abandonment and you can take possession.   

Bag up all garbage.  Just to be safe, don't throw out anything of value like photographs, mails, bills, etc..

Hold onto the valuables off site.  Change locks immediately.  Do not try to contact the prior resident.  If they contact you, deliver the valuables.