Stuff behind after being evicted

Stuff behind after being evicted

Jorge VazquezBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · Tampa, FL · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 693 votes

I've been dealing with a situation in Florida where tenants leave their stuff behind after being evicted, and it got me thinking about how we, as landlords, handle this. The law here gives us some directions, like dumping the stuff at the property line right after eviction, sending out notices if it’s not an eviction case, and even selling off items if they're worth more than $500. But let's be real, it often doesn't go down by the book.

In my 20 years of experience, chasing after tenants who owe rent to pick up their old couch seems... well, not worth it. And honestly, I've never seen a tenant win a case over this; judges aren't usually on the side of tenants who haven't been playing by the rules.

So, how do you guys deal with left-behind belongings? Do you stick strictly to the law, or have you found some practical shortcuts that work? What's your experience been like?

Looking forward to hearing your stories!

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Theresa HarrisPro Member
Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
2y

Honestly, I put it out on the curb and put a free sign on it. If it is garbage, then I haul it to the dump.  Not worth my time to chase them down or store their junk and if they left it behind, they clearly don't care enough about it.

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  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    2y

    Honestly, I put it out on the curb and put a free sign on it. If it is garbage, then I haul it to the dump.  Not worth my time to chase them down or store their junk and if they left it behind, they clearly don't care enough about it.

  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Jorge Vazquez:

    I've been dealing with a situation in Florida where tenants leave their stuff behind after being evicted, and it got me thinking about how we, as landlords, handle this. The law here gives us some directions, like dumping the stuff at the property line right after eviction, sending out notices if it’s not an eviction case, and even selling off items if they're worth more than $500. But let's be real, it often doesn't go down by the book.

    In my 20 years of experience, chasing after tenants who owe rent to pick up their old couch seems... well, not worth it. And honestly, I've never seen a tenant win a case over this; judges aren't usually on the side of tenants who haven't been playing by the rules.

    So, how do you guys deal with left-behind belongings? Do you stick strictly to the law, or have you found some practical shortcuts that work? What's your experience been like?

    Looking forward to hearing your stories!


    If the tenant was evicted, then the court authorized you to remove everything. Put it on the curb and notify the former tenant. If it's still there the next day, dispose of it by whatever means necessary.

    Your state also has laws for property left behind by a tenant that moves out under ordinary circumstances. It would be wise to find those laws and study them.

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  • Property Manager · San Diego, CA · Member since 2024 · 65 posts · 42 votes
    2y

    In California I'm required to store their stuff for a certain period of time. Stupid law.

    I am allowed to throw out all trash immediately. The law does not define trash. So guess what? Everything looks like trash to me.

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