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Rented the home from 5/2013- 5/2015, we recently moved out b/c of unrelated problems. Upon moving in the LL stated that anything he left in the house we could either throw out or keep b/c he was moving across the country. Now that we have moved he is claiming that we stole his property and is threatening to sue us and take out warrants for our arrests! Live in Georgia, I can't seem to find any laws that state what to do when a LL leaves unwanted property and then claims he wants it back 2.5 years later. Normal lease with no extra provisions.
If it's not in writing, it doesn't matter what he said. Was this in writing?
I was going to ask the same thing as ^^^^^
Was the LLs statement about the items in writing allowing you to keep or dispose of the items or just verbal?
The landlord would have to prove 1) the property existed, witnesses, written agreement which states the item, or photographic proof of the item's existence and 2) prove the item was missing when you vacated, several months have passed now so that one is going to be more difficult. If you took something that doesnt belong to you, or was named in a lease or other paperwork, then you need to return it or pay for it.
Did he give you an inventory list when you signed the lease or did the move in walkthrough with the property manager? If not, he'll have a hard time proving he had possessions in the house. What is he claiming you took?
In today's world a verbal agreement means nothing unless your dealing with a trustworthy person, with that said, yes you stole this property in the eyes of the law.
Rented the home from 5/2013- 5/2015, we recently moved out b/c of unrelated problems. Upon moving in the LL stated that anything he left in the house we could either throw out or keep b/c he was moving across the country. Now that we have moved he is claiming that we stole his property and is threatening to sue us and take out warrants for our arrests! Live in Georgia, I can't seem to find any laws that state what to do when a LL leaves unwanted property and then claims he wants it back 2.5 years later. Normal lease with no extra provisions.
Unless you have something in writing from him saying that you can have the property....I'd be concerned.
Why not return it....and explain you must have misunderstood him.
Yes it was just a verbal agreement, though it was witnessed by the property manager, and two of my relatives.
That at least helps that there are witnesses...Have them write out statements, make sure they are notarized.
Personally, if he threatened to charge you, if you didn't bring the items back...I'd have returned it.
You are likely to incur attorney expenses etc.
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