Full question:
A one time friend left his painting equipment in my garage almost 4 years ago. We have tried to communicate with them twice concerning this matter with no response. Can I sell it to get it out of my way? What kind of notice do I need to give them if any, after trying to contact them twice? Do I need to attempt to get them the money from the sale of the equipment?
- Category: Abandoned Property
- Date:
- State: Oregon
Answer:
The ability to sell the painting equipment depends on whether the property is considered abandoned under local laws. If landlord-tenant laws do not apply, you may need to follow local abandoned property rules, which can vary by location. It's advisable to contact your local police department or a legal professional to understand the specific rules applicable to your situation.
Generally, you must provide written notice to the owner at their last known address. This notice should inform them that the property will be sold if not claimed within a specified time frame. Since you have already attempted to contact them twice without a response, this notice is crucial.
In many cases, if the property is sold, you are not required to send the proceeds to the former owner, but you should check local laws to confirm this. If the equipment is deemed abandoned, you may proceed with the sale after following the required notice procedures.
For example, in Oregon, if personal property is presumed abandoned, the landlord may sell it after providing proper notice (Oregon Statute 90.425). Make sure to comply with any specific regulations that apply to your area.
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.