Full question:
My girlfriend and I broke up and she moved out. Her name is on the lease and she is refusing to give back her key to the house. She moved a month ago and still has property in the house. What can I do with her stuff and how can I get my key back?
- Category: Landlord Tenant
- Date:
- State: California
Answer:
In California, landlords are responsible for handling abandoned property. You should notify your ex-girlfriend in writing about her belongings left in the house. This notice must specify a deadline for her to retrieve her items—at least fifteen days if delivered in person or eighteen days if sent by mail. The notice should describe the property, state when and where it can be picked up, mention any storage costs, and inform her if the property may be sold.
Regarding the key, it is the tenant's duty to return keys to the landlord when moving out. If she does not return the key, you may deduct the cost of changing the locks from her security deposit. However, you should not change the locks without permission from the landlord or unless the lease allows it. You can discuss with the landlord about covering the lock replacement costs and seek reimbursement from your ex-girlfriend through small claims court if necessary.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.