Tenant left personal property but did not leave keys

[Carrie B.]

My tenant owes me  several  months of rent, FINALLY he  has stated he have moved but did not leave keys and have left a lot of personal property.  I have a new tenant moving in soon and need to clean my unit.  I have changed the locks and is in the process of tossing out the tenants stuff.  What is  the legal ramifications is in Chicago for personal property?   

 I have nowhere to store his crap especially when he owes me so much back rent.  If i don't move forward with a new tenant soon loose my rental unit. 

Any advice??

[Patti Robertson]

Be careful. It is best to consult your landlord tenant law. In VA we have very specific requirements for notification of suspected abandonment and storing items after abandonment. I one time had a tenant accuse us of stealing items after we stored her abandoned things in our box truck for 30 days. We followed the law and documented everything, so we won the suit. You won't if you just throw her stuff out.