Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 54%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$69 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
×
Take Your Forum Experience
to the Next Level
Create a free account and join over 3 million investors sharing
their journeys and helping each other succeed.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
Already a member?  Login here
General Landlording & Rental Properties
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated almost 7 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

10
Posts
3
Votes
Kat P.
  • Chicago, IL
3
Votes |
10
Posts

Tenant left tons of garbage and belongings

Kat P.
  • Chicago, IL
Posted

My tenant's lease was up and when he moved, he left a ton of stuff in the basement and garage, too much for the alley, will cost several hundred to have removed. He told me basically, it's not his stuff and he's not coming back. I have photo's, there are literally boxes with his name on the shipping labels. I texted and emailed him, told him to get his stuff, then I sent a notice that I would hold his belongings for 7 days, via certified mail. Illinois law states I must keep it for 7 days. My question is, aside from the junk removal fee, can I deduct storage fees or holdover rent from the deposit?

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

825
Posts
501
Votes
George Skidis
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Belleville, IL
501
Votes |
825
Posts
George Skidis
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Belleville, IL
Replied

Anything you must do to correct the tenants deficiencies can be deducted from the deposit. Damages and clutter both count. Document everything and keep track of your expenses to the penny. Then after applying the tenants deposit to your expenses you will need to decide if the matter is big enough to pursue in small claims court and if the tenant is able to pay the judgement.

Don't forget to notify the tenant how you applied their deposit to the damages within 30 days. Send two letters. The first letter to their old address with "Address Forwarding Requested" written directly under your return address. The second goes to their current residence if you know it, this one should go registered mail. 

When they refuse to sign for the registered letter place both the mail forwarding response and the rejected registered letter in your file. You may need them to prove you responded within the time line allowed by Illinois law.

  • George Skidis
  • Loading replies...