Full question:
My tenant moved of the rented unit I own at Annapolis last week but has left behind a bicycle, some documents related to his insurance as well as old clothes. What do I do about these belongs as it is highly unlike that he will be back to claim it?
- Category: Abandoned Property
- Subcategory: Landlord Tenant
- Date:
- State: South Carolina
Answer:
If your tenant has left personal property behind, you can dispose of it. However, if any item is valued over five hundred dollars, you should proceed with caution to avoid potential legal issues. In South Carolina, landlords can remove and dispose of property left behind after eviction or lease termination, but must be careful with items of higher value.
According to South Carolina law, if a tenant is absent for fifteen days after failing to pay rent, it is considered abandonment (S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-730). If the tenant has abandoned the unit and left items valued at five hundred dollars or less, you may enter the unit and dispose of the property. For items valued above five hundred dollars, you must follow specific legal procedures for disposal (S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-730 (e)).
To avoid liability, ensure you act reasonably when disposing of any valuable items left behind.
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.