QUESTION
Are personal properties inside abandoned homes also considered abandoned? Can these properties be claimed?
Asked on Jan 26th, 2013 on Litigation - Nevada
More details to this question:
There is an abandoned home nearby with personal property in it. The previous owner left the door wide open. Can I legally enter the property? Can I claim any of the personal property? Is the previous owner’s personal property also considered abandoned?
3 ANSWERS
Michael J. Breczinski
Do not enter the property. There usually is some type of owner, (like a bank). You need permission from whoever the present owner is to go in and take stuff. I have many cases of people being prosecuted for taking things from "abandoned" buildings.
Answered on Apr 15th, 2013 at 1:36 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Bloomfield Hills, MI
Partner at
Law Offices of Marshall S. Tauber
2 Awards
The question you really are asking is how long can an owner leave property before it is considered abandoned. To be perfectly safe, the answer is as long as possible. Secondly, you cannot remove any items from real estate unless you have permission of the record owner that even includes rocks and dirt.
Answered on Apr 14th, 2013 at 9:59 PM
James Edward Smith
Although the house is abandoned someone still owns it. To go and trespass on the owner's property would be trespassing and to take the furniture may be theft.
Answered on Apr 14th, 2013 at 8:51 PM