My Roommate Moved Out and Left Belongings Behind – What Can I Do?

Assuming that your roommate was on the lease and you had no agreement with her regarding storing or caring for her property, it’s not your responsibility. There are laws governing what a landlord – not a roommate – must and may do with property that’s left behind by a former tenant, and you should let your management company address the situation. You may choose to reach out to your former roommate and offer her the opportunity to make arrangements for the property she left behind, but if that fails, simply let your property manager know. Provide management with a specific list of property left behind, along with information about when your roommate departed. If you know how to reach her, you may want to send your former roommate a copy of your notice to management, with a request that she communicate with the management to resolve the situation. If she fails to respond, your landlord or property manager will know what to do to comply with legal requirements.

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