#ExGirlfriend #MovingOut #Belongings #Threat #PoliceEscort
It can be a difficult and emotional time when a relationship ends and one party moves out, leaving behind personal belongings. In some cases, the situation can become even more complicated when the ex-partner threatens legal action or involves the police. If you find yourself in a similar situation, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the best course of action to take.
Understanding Your Rights in this Situation
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand your legal rights when it comes to your ex-partner’s belongings left at your home. Here are a few key points to consider:
Ownership: As the owner of the house, you have the right to decide what happens to any belongings left behind after your ex moved out.
Abandonment: If your ex-girlfriend moved out and did not make any efforts to retrieve her belongings in a reasonable amount of time, it could be considered abandoned property.
Communication: If you had a conversation with your ex about her coming to pick up the remaining items and she did not follow through or communicate further, it could potentially impact her claim to the belongings.
Dealing with Threats of Police Involvement
When your ex threatens to involve the police to retrieve her belongings, it can understandably be a stressful and concerning situation. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
Remain Calm: While it’s natural to feel anxious or upset when faced with threats of police involvement, try to remain calm and composed when dealing with the situation.
Seek Legal Advice: Consider seeking legal guidance from a qualified attorney who can provide you with personalized advice and representation, if necessary.
Document Everything: Keep records of any communication with your ex, including text messages, emails, and voicemails. This documentation could be valuable in supporting your case.
Your Options in this Situation
As you navigate this challenging situation, it’s essential to explore your options and make informed decisions. Here are a few potential courses of action to consider:
Negotiation: If possible, consider reaching out to your ex-girlfriend to discuss the situation calmly and rationally. You may be able to come to a mutually beneficial agreement without involving the authorities.
Legal Representation: If your ex continues to threaten police involvement, it could be beneficial to engage the services of a lawyer who can advocate on your behalf and ensure that your rights are protected.
Understanding Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with the specific laws and regulations in your state, such as Kansas, relating to abandoned property and the rights of homeowners in similar situations.
Conclusion
Dealing with a situation where your ex-partner threatens to involve the police over belongings left at your home can be extremely stressful. However, by understanding your rights, remaining composed, and seeking appropriate legal guidance, you can navigate the situation with confidence and ensure that your rights are protected. Remember, it’s essential to prioritize your own well-being and seek the support you need as you navigate this challenging time.
In summary, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights when it comes to your ex-partner’s belongings left at your home, remain calm when faced with threats of police involvement, seek legal advice if necessary, and explore your options for resolving the situation amicably. Ultimately, prioritizing clear communication, documentation, and legal assistance can help you navigate this challenging situation with confidence and peace of mind.
Pursuant to KSA 58-2565, if a tenant abandons household goods, furnishings, fixtures or any other personal property in or at the dwelling unit, the Landlord must take possession of the property and store it at the tenant’s expense.
Thirty (30) days after the Landlord takes possession of the property it may be sold or thrown away if you:
publish once (1x) in a newspaper of general circulation in the County in which such dwelling unit is located a notice of the Landlord’s intention to sell or dispose of such property at least fifteen (15) days prior to the sale or other disposition of such property; and
send a copy of the published notice to the tenant at the tenant’s last known address within seven (7) days of the publication in the newspaper.
The published notice must state the following:
The name of the tenant;
The property address of the rental property;
a brief description of the property; and
the approximate date on which the landlord intends to sell or otherwise dispose of such property.
During thirty-day period after the Landlord takes possession of the property, and at any time prior to sale or other disposition thereof, the tenant may redeem the property upon payment to you of the reasonable expenses incurred in taking, holding and preparing the property for sale and of any amount due from the tenant for rent (and past due fees and costs if applicable).
If you didn’t do any of those you illegally disposed of her belongings and would be held liable. Whether the police actually do anything is another question. She can call them and they very well might tell her it’s a civil matter and to sue you for the value of the items.
Your local codes will determine ownership and responsibility for abandoned belongings of a tenant. Generally, it’s 30 days and some sort of reasonable proof of your attempt to provide notification. Don’t throw anything away out of spite, put the crap in a closet, wait to see if anyone claims it.
But it is most likely a civil issue and it takes money to sue someone… More than likely more than these items were worth.
Would the cops really take their time to come to your house for a jacket or some clothes? Probably not… even police in Kansas have better things to do.
You notified her in writing and she never showed up after promising to.
You say it was taking up space and you were storing it, maybe you need to charge her a 6 month storage fee to get the items back? She’s taken advantage of you for storing her stuff and using your space.
NAL but it really depends on if she can be legally labeled a tenant. Did you have a lease for her? Does your state recognize verbal agreements? The police aren’t going to let her just come in without some sort of proof she resides there (or without you allowing it if she has no proof) and they aren’t going to force their way in by breaking down doors or windows. I had a very similar issue. If she has a key, change the locks and don’t answer the door. Force her to get a court order (in which she would need to provide proof for all the stuff she left there). But yeah, you could also just get the stuff back, set it out in the driveway and be done with her.