US Legal Forms
Legal Resources
Questions & Answers
Abandoned Property
Do I have to pay MPD for stored belongings after eviction?

Do I have to pay MPD for stored belongings after eviction?

Full question:

After I was evicted from my rental unit at Saint Paul, my personal belongings were moved by police officers from MPD. If I have to get my property back, I have to pay rent and storage charges to the MPD for storing it! Do I have to pay for something that wasn't done without my consent in the first place?

Category: Abandoned Property
Subcategory: Landlord Tenant
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Minnesota

Answer:

Unfortunately, you will need to pay the MPD for rent and storage charges if you want to retrieve your property. The police action is lawful when property is reported abandoned due to an eviction order from the landlord in Minnesota.

According to Minnesota law, if a tenant abandons their rental unit, the landlord can take possession of the tenant's belongings and is responsible for storing them. The landlord can charge the tenant for reasonable costs incurred during this process, including removal and storage fees (Minn. Stat. § 504B.271).

If the property is stored by the police, the tenant must cover the costs associated with this storage. If the landlord unlawfully takes possession of the property, they may be liable for costs related to removal and storage (Minn. Stat. § 504B.271, Subd. 3).

In summary, you are responsible for the charges if you wish to recover your belongings after an eviction.

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

Can a landlord withhold personal property?

In Minnesota, a landlord cannot withhold a tenant's personal property without following legal procedures. If a tenant abandons their belongings, the landlord may take possession and store them, but they must provide notice and follow the law regarding storage and retrieval. If the landlord unlawfully withholds property, they may be liable for damages (Minn. Stat. § 504B.271).

How long does a landlord have to keep tenants belongings after eviction?

In Minnesota, a landlord must keep a tenant's belongings for a reasonable time after eviction. The law does not specify an exact duration, but it generally requires that the landlord provide notice and allow the tenant to retrieve their items. If the items are not claimed, the landlord may dispose of them after the notice period (Minn. Stat. § 504B.271).

What are the eviction laws in Washington state?

Eviction laws in Washington state require landlords to follow specific procedures, including providing written notice to tenants. Depending on the reason for eviction, the notice period can vary. If the tenant does not vacate, the landlord must file an unlawful detainer action in court to obtain a judgment for eviction. It's essential to comply with all legal requirements to avoid wrongful eviction claims.

How long do you have to keep tenant's belongings after eviction in MN?

In Minnesota, landlords must keep a tenant's belongings for a reasonable time after eviction. While the law does not specify an exact timeframe, landlords are required to notify tenants of their belongings and allow them to retrieve them. If the items are not collected within a reasonable period, landlords may dispose of them (Minn. Stat. § 504B.271).

Is tenant responsible for rent after eviction?

Yes, in Minnesota, a tenant remains responsible for rent after eviction until the lease is terminated. If the tenant does not pay the rent owed, the landlord may pursue legal action to recover the unpaid rent. The tenant's obligation to pay rent continues until the landlord has taken possession of the rental unit and the lease is formally ended.

How long do you have to keep tenant belongings after eviction?

In Minnesota, landlords must keep a tenant's belongings for a reasonable period after eviction. While the law does not define a specific duration, landlords should provide notice to tenants and allow them to retrieve their items. If unclaimed, the landlord may dispose of the belongings after this reasonable time (Minn. Stat. § 504B.271).