Dealing with abandoned property or belongings can be a confusing task especially if you do not know what the laws in your area state. If you live in Texas then this article is definitely for you, it will walk you through on how to deal with abandoned items left on your property and how long someone can leave their belongings on your property. Checkout the article below in order to learn more.
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How Long Can Someone Leave Their Belongings On Your Property In Texas
The laws in Texas are not so clear about how long someone can leave their belongings on your property however, if you do find yourself in this situation the laws in Texas indicate that there are certain steps you need to take. Below we discuss the steps you should take when dealing with abandoned property in Texas.
Contact The Person
In Texas, when someone leaves their belongings on your property you should start by contacting them. Explain to them that they left their belongings at your property and you would like them to make arrangements to pick up the stuff. Take pictures of the items and send them to the person. Taking pictures will act as evidence just in case something happens in the future.
Send A Written Notice
If the person does not make any arrangements to collect their belongings you should send a written notice to them. Include a detailed list of the items that the person left, you can also attach the pictures if you want. Make sure you remain with a copy of the letter just in case the issue escalates.
Dispose The Belongings
If a person leaves their belongings on your property in Texas and does not respond to your letters you can then dispose their belongings. In order to do this you should remove the belongings from your property and place them on a nearby public area however, they should not block the side walk, street or passage way. If the person owed you money and you would like to sell their belongings in order to get your money back you should sell the items in a public place. You should also publish the sale of these items in a prominent place or a local newspaper that has daily circulations. You should also send a letter to the person informing them about your decision to sell their belongings. Include the venue where the sale will be taking place.
Things To Avoid When Someone Leaves Their Belongings On Your Property In Texas
When someone leaves their belongings on your property in Texas you need to avoid any of the following or else you could get into trouble;
- Avoid placing the items outside when it is raining or else you could get sued for damages by the owner.
- Avoid disposing the items without the owner’s permission or else they can take you to court.
- If the person does not owe you rent, it’s best not to sell the items and just place them in a public area.
How To Prevent People From Leaving Their Belongings On Your Property In Texas
If you reside in Texas and would want to prevent people from leaving their belongings on your property you can try to draft a lease with your tenant which shows how you will deal with their belongings should they evacuate the premises. In the lease you can include things like;
- The deadline or time frame in which they are expected to claim their belongings from your property.
- Details about how you will deal with their belongings in the event that they do not claim them within the stipulated time frame.
How Long Does Something Have To Be On Your Property Before It Becomes Yours In Texas?
If you live in Texas you need to wait for approximately 10 years before you can claim something on your property as yours. In legal terms this is referred to as adverse possession of an item. However, in order to be granted ownership of that thing you first need to go to court and the provide evidence which shows that something has been in your property for 10 or more years.
What Is The Finders Keepers Law In Texas?
The finder’s keeper’s law in Texas states that anyone who discovers abandoned property and occupies it for a reasonable amount of years is allowed to become the new owner of that property. In order for the person to be granted ownership of that property they need to provide evidence that they have been occupying the property for some time now.
Can I Throw Out My Ex’s Stuff Texas?
If you leave in Texas you cannot throw away your ex’s stuff. This is because you will be violating their rights. The best way to deal with such situations is to send a written notice to your ex explaining to them how they should come and collect their belongings. If they do not respond, you can then inform them that you will be leaving their belongings in a public place so that the person can collect them there.
Can I Tell Someone To Get Off My Property In Texas?
Yes you can tell someone to get off your property in Texas. This is because the property belongs to you therefore you have the rights to do so. However, you are not allowed to use force as you may get sued. If the person refuses to get of your property you are allowed to call the police. The police can then try to remove the person or they will explain to you the necessary steps you should take.
Conclusion
When it comes to dealing with abandoned belongings its best that you research on the laws in your area. This is because any mistake can end up backfiring on you. If you are having a hard time finding information you can always engage the help of a qualified lawyer. Dealing with lawyers can prove to be easier since they usually do all the paperwork for you.
