Entitled ex-roommate refuses to come and pick up his table after landlord evicts him: 'If I sell it he'll sue me'

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  • Two male roommates are conversing on their couch.
  • Ex roommate won't come get his table he left and said if I sell it he'll sue me.

    Have no idea where this belongs flair wise. Location: WV So I had a roommate that left (he got kicked out by the landlord) last March but he left his table and chairs behind.
  • I have told him and his relatives many times to come get the table that he left and they have told me that he doesn't want it.
  • I recently told a relative of his that I was planning to sell the table as I inherited my great grandmothers table when she passed away recently and they relayed that information that he needed to come get it or I was selling it.
  • Now he's blowing up my phone and saying that I can't sell it because I didn't buy it and if I sell it then he'll sue my for thef, when he said to me that he didn't want the table no longer several months ago.
  • Do I have grounds to sell the table or if I do can he sue me?
  • He moved out on 3/5/24 after the landlord told him he had 72 hours to vacate the home or he would be arrested for trespassing.
  • A letter saying “Notice of Eviction” across the top.
  • shazbadam Hard to imagine a judge awarding him anything in this scenario. There is a procedure for landlords to follow to give a former tenant the opportunity to claim abandoned property. It's not exactly applicable here, since you're a co-tenant, not a landlord. But it could help convince a judge that you gave him every possible chance to get the table. Basically you send him written notice by certified mail stating that he has 30 days to come get his stuff.
  • shazbadam That process is just for extra assurance, you'll probably be fine even without it. And 90% of people who threaten to sue never follow through. Is he just making a stink because he perceives you as wanting to profit off of his property? Maybe offer to split the sale money with him, to keep the peace. Or tell him you're donating it to the Salvation Army, so there's no money for him to grab at.
  • Heather391982 I live in WV and when I bought my house the previous owner left property I went to the courthouse and was told to do the following: 1. Write out a letter telling them they have 30 days to retrieve the property but make sure that you have a copy for your records 2. When you send it make sure that they have to sign for it and keep the receipt 3. On day 31, the property is yours to do whatever you want with it.
  • Apprehensive-Item-44 You have to send them a certified letter stating they have 30 days to retrieve their belongings or they will be thrown out or sold. Yes, YOU can do this as the remaining room mate, it doesn't have to be the landlord. After the 30 days is up your free to throw it out or sell it.
  • ValuableGrab3236 This would be considered abandonment. Send him a registered letter giving him 30days to pick up, if not retrieved items will be disposed of
  • SPerry8519 IIRC most places have a 30 Days and it's considered to be yours law (or policy etc). Unless he can PROVE it's his, and even then IDK because you can prove (I presume) you have been telling him to come get it, you have every right to sell it and he can't do squat
  • kathy8675309 I agree with this, she doesn't have to keep his stuff forever, I think you can even start charging for storage if he doesn't come and pick it up? Good thing he is not a roommate anymore yeesh.
  • cactusjackalope In some states you can also append a per diem storage fee.

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