Eviction - returning possessions

[Cordell M.]

Good morning - This week we evicted a tenant for non payment, constable came out and removed tenant, locks changed, etc. Tenants were placed by our management company that we have terminated our agreement with. While the house is clean and in good shape, they did not move any of their possessions prior to eviction and have stated they would like them, so we have to retain them for 30 days. Any one with experience on how to best handle this; I think we have exposure by letting them in to remove it unsupervised, I do not feel it is in our best interest to be there supervising, we are looking into retaining an off duty law enforcement officer (pending clearing it with their department as extra duty due to insurance, etc.). We have also looked into moving it to a storage unit and allowing them to get it at their leisure. Thank you for your insights, Cordell Martin

[Stephen Franco]

I've yet to have a tenant that *** for their property back ever come and get it. However if they do ask, I believe you're required to store it for 10 days at no cost and up to 30 days where you can Bill them for the cost. Typically I will take the property out of the unit and stick it in one of my basements or some other storage facility just so that I can prep the unit and re rent it and hopefully recover some of my losses.