What rights do I have to the vehicle that has been left at my property abandoned?

Full question:

A "friend" left his car in my backyard for over a year. Do I have the legal right to sell it or collect rent on it? I never told him he could "store" it here for a year and he would not come get it.

Answer:

Laws on abandoned property vary by local area. I suggest calling the local police department for information about the law in your town/city. Please see the information at the following links:

http://www.uslegalforms.com/legaldefinitions/a/abandoned-vehicle.php
http://www.uslegalforms.com/legaldefinitions/b/bailment.php

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

In many states, you may be able to claim ownership of a vehicle left on your property if certain conditions are met, such as notifying the owner and waiting a specified period. However, laws vary widely, so it's essential to check your local regulations regarding abandoned property.