Tenants illegal storage

[Brian Karlow]

In August we closed on an 8 unit property and inherited the tenant base. Most of these tenants would have never passed our screening process and we intended to proceed with non-renewals as leases expired. C property in a B area that we purchased as a value add asset.

Prior to closing, we asked for the current Owner to notify the tenants to remove from the premises any items not stored within their assigned storage locker or apartment. The Owner even scheduled a 40 yard dumpster 1 week prior to closing to allow the residences an opportunity to discard any items that they no longer wanted.  As soon as we closed on the property, we sent introduction letters and posted notices regarding storage rules, which again were that all items needed to be stored within their assigned storage locker or apartment otherwise items would be considered abandoned and removed from property.

All residences complied but one who's lease was set to expire Oct 31. Upon vacating, it was discovered that a bicycle and a kids toy jeep had been left on the boiler room. They had preyed the door jam to gain entry to the locked room. This room was not inspected during the move out walk through by my property manager so these items were not discovered until last week. When they were discovered they were donated.

Today, the old tenant left a voice message demanding these items and then preceded to file a police report. 

How would you guys respond to this situation? Thanks in advance for your input!!

[Brian Karlow]

Thanks for the feed back guys! 

Quick update....the police contacted us as a follow up to the tenants attempt to file a report.  The officer informed us that the tenants were told they had no basis for their claim and the items would be considered abandoned in the police departments opinion. We did advice the police of the illegal entry so it's documented should this issue surface again at a future date.

Thank you again for sharing...I'm really looking forward to adding value to this project and continuing to make improvements!

Brian