 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Rights of Tenants in Maine:
|
| Abandoned Property |
What happens if I move and do not take all my property with me?
Your landlord can refuse to give you your things if you owe back rent, damages or storage fees. So you should take all your things with you when you leave. Don't leave things behind to pick up later.
Click here to get a printer-friendly .pdf pamphlet version. If you need help, click here. Your landlord can sell your property if you do not claim it after he has mailed a notice to you at your "last known address." If you do not tell him your new address, then he can send it to your old address and you may not get it unless the post office forwards it to you.
If the abandoned property is worth less than $750, the law says your landlord must store the property in a safe, dry, secured place. Then she must mail the notice to your "last known address," saying she plans to get rid of your things and listing the items. If you claim the property within 14 days after the notice was sent, your landlord must store the property for at least another 10 days so you have time to get your things. Your landlord can make you pay all rent owed, damages, and costs of storage before giving your property back.
If you don't claim the property within 14 days after the notice has been sent (or don't pick it up within 10 days after claiming it), your landlord may sell the property for fair market value. He can keep any money you owe him for rent, damages and costs of storage and sale. He must send any money left over to the State Treasurer in Augusta.
If the abandoned property is worth more than $750, your landlord must get permission from the State Treasurer to sell your property. Then he can sell your things "in a commercially reasonable manner." (Read section above about notice to you and what amounts he can keep.) He must send any money left over to the State Treasurer along with a detailed report, including what property was sold and for how much.
What if I can't get my things because I am hospitalized due to my disability?
Write to your landlord and ask him to make a "reasonable accommodation" for you, giving you more time or a chance to get someone to help you move your things.
Note: If you are not moving out voluntarily, your landlord must follow eviction rules to get you out.
Remember: The best way to protect your property is to take it with you right away. Even though the law says that your landlord must protect your property,
- sometimes it is hard get back what you have lost or to prove what it was worth
- your landlord can deduct for money you owe, which will be more as time goes on if there are storage fees
- if your landlord damages your property, it will be difficult to recover that loss
- your landlord might ignore the law and get rid of your things illegally
[back to table of contents]
[previous page]
[next page]
|
Notice
© Pine Tree
Legal Assistance
Sometimes the laws change. We cannot promise that this information is always up-to-date and correct. If the date above is not this year, call us to see if there is an update. We provide this information as a public service. It is not legal advice. By sending you this information, we are not acting as your lawyer. Always consult a lawyer, if you can, before taking legal action. |
Help Us
Help us make our site better. Sorry, but we cannot respond to website requests for help. If you believe you have a legal problem we can help you with, call us.
|
|
|
