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Abandoned Property
What can we do with a former employee's unclaimed belongings?

What can we do with a former employee's unclaimed belongings?

Full question:

A live-in employee quit and left her belongings for us to store. We have asked her multiple times to pick up her stuff and currently are paying to store it. How long do we have to wait, and what steps can we take to get rid of her stuff?

Category: Abandoned Property
Date: 04/07/2025
State: National

Answer:

If a tenant abandons their belongings, the landlord may take possession and store the items. In Washington, landlords must make reasonable efforts to notify the tenant about the storage and potential sale of their property.

According to Washington law (RCW 59.18.310), if the tenant does not claim their belongings within a specified time frame, the landlord can dispose of or sell the items. For property valued over one hundred dollars, the landlord must notify the tenant of a pending sale at least thirty days in advance. If the property is valued at one hundred dollars or less, the landlord can dispose of it after seven days from the notice.

To proceed, you should send a written notice to the former employee's last known address, informing them of the storage and the timeline for potential disposal. If the employee does not respond within the required time, you may sell or dispose of the belongings according to the law.

For further assistance, consider consulting local legal resources or an attorney to ensure compliance with applicable laws.

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.

FAQs

How long does someone have to collect their belongings?

In Washington, a tenant has a specific time frame to collect their belongings after leaving. If the property is valued over one hundred dollars, they must be notified and given at least thirty days to claim it. For items valued at one hundred dollars or less, they have seven days from the notice to retrieve their belongings. After these periods, the landlord can dispose of or sell the items according to state law (RCW 59.18.310). 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.

What happens if you don't return equipment to a company?

If an employee does not return company equipment, the employer may take steps to recover the items. This could include sending a written notice requesting the return of the equipment. If the employee fails to respond or return the items, the employer may consider legal action or deduct the value of the equipment from the employee's final paycheck, depending on company policy and state laws. 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.

What if my employer won't let me get my belongings?

If your employer refuses to allow you to retrieve your belongings, you should first communicate your request in writing. If they continue to deny access, you may want to review your employment agreement and company policies regarding personal property. If necessary, consider seeking legal advice to understand your rights and options for recovering your items. 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.

What to do if an employee doesn't return company property?

If an employee fails to return company property, the employer should first send a formal request for the return of the items. If the employee does not comply, the employer may need to assess the situation, including reviewing company policies and considering legal options. This could involve deducting the cost of the unreturned property from the employee's final paycheck, if allowed by law. 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.

What happens if an employee refuses to return company property?

If an employee refuses to return company property, the employer should document the refusal and attempt to resolve the issue through communication. If the situation does not improve, the employer may need to consider legal action or other remedies, such as withholding the value of the property from the employee's final paycheck, depending on applicable laws and company policies. 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.

What is the personal items policy in the workplace?

A personal items policy in the workplace outlines the rules regarding employees' personal belongings at work. It typically covers what items are allowed, how to handle personal items left behind, and the process for retrieving them. Employers should ensure that employees are aware of this policy to avoid misunderstandings. Such policies may also address the company's rights concerning unclaimed items. 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.