Abandonment

[Jay Orlauski]

Hello, I have a tenant who moved out most of the furniture, including beds , couches etc. tenant has not paid rent in a month - using her 'deposit' she says to cover her last months rent. She has already recieved a 3 day notice to vacate last month. She personally told me that she has found a new place, but said she wont get me the keys till the end of the month. It is now the end of the month. As far as abandonment is concerned - if she told me that she found a new place ( but did not specifically specify that she was moved into it) - is that the same as saying " i will not be back" even if she has left personal possessions such vacume cleaner, coffee pot, several photographs still pinned to the wall and nick knacs about the house. I personally saw her move furniture out of the unit and my neighbors have reported her collecting smaller items and is no longer staying there overnight. It may sound cut and dry to some more experienced here , but I want to be sure to tread lightly and do it correctly - it seems like she has abandoned the place but is using it as convenient storage while she takes her time moving stuff out.

QUESTION: can I change the locks and store her stuff - and take over the property?

[Gene Hacker]

Is the rental in Fresno CA?

If it is in California...

Pick up the Nolo California landlord law-book and the Nolo California eviction book. They hold a wealth of information and can found very inexpensive online.

These books are great. I reference them often. They are the most used books in my personal library.