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Abandoned Property
What can I do with my friend's belongings left at my home?

What can I do with my friend's belongings left at my home?

Q: How long can I keep my friend's belongings before I can dispose of them?

In South Dakota, if a tenant leaves their belongings behind, you can consider them abandoned after ten days. If the items are valued at less than one hundred dollars, you can dispose of them at that time (SDCL § 43-32-25). Always try to reach out to the owner before proceeding.

Q: Can I sell my friend's belongings if they are abandoned?

In South Dakota, if your friend's belongings are considered abandoned and valued under one hundred dollars, you may dispose of them. However, selling them may involve additional legal considerations. It's best to consult legal advice before taking this step to ensure compliance with the law.

Q: What if my friend comes back for their belongings later?

If your friend returns after you have disposed of their belongings, they may have limited recourse if the items were legally considered abandoned under South Dakota law. It's important to document your attempts to contact them and the timeline of events to protect yourself legally.

Q: Are there any legal requirements for notifying someone about abandoned property?

In South Dakota, while there is no specific requirement to notify a friend about abandoned property, it is advisable to make reasonable efforts to contact them before disposing of their belongings. Keeping a record of your attempts can help protect you legally in case of disputes.

Full question:

A friend recently moved all of her belongings to my residence and then suddenly decided to move to Tennessee. She has been gone for 3 weeks and I have not heard from her. How do I go about getting her things out of here ASAP?

Category: Abandoned Property
Date: 04/07/2025
State: South Dakota

Answer:

According to South Dakota law, if a tenant leaves their property behind after vacating a rental unit, it may be considered abandoned. Specifically, if the total reasonable value of the belongings is less than one hundred dollars and they have been left for ten days after the tenant has vacated, the landlord can dispose of the items (SDCL § 43-32-25).

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

What should I do if my friend abandoned their belongings at my house?

If your friend has left their belongings at your home for more than ten days after moving out, you may consider them abandoned under South Dakota law. If the total value of the items is less than one hundred dollars, you can dispose of them (SDCL § 43-32-25). It's advisable to document the situation and attempt to contact your friend before taking any action.