Can I legally hold someone's property and charge money to hold it?

Question

A friend of ours moved six weeks ago and there was a verbal agreement that she would get her stuff out of our garage in two weeks. It is a lot of stuff and is taking up all the space in our garage. We are going to give her to the end of the week and then start charging her the local storage place's fee. Is this legal?

Answer 1

It's legal for you to charge the fee; the real question is whether she would have a legal obligation to pay.  And she wouldn't because there is no contract binding her to pay.  

Of course, if she doesn't pay, you are not obligated to keep the property, either.  You could just pitch it out.  

I would recommend that you tell her very clearly that she has until date x before you will simply dispose of the property.  Send her a letter to that effect.  Make sure the date gives her enough time to come and get the property if she wants it.  But once she hasn't picked it up, it's time to call the garbage man and have it hauled away.

Answer 2

sure is legal if its your property!

Answer 3

NO it is not legal...unless you have a court order or signed agreement in writing...

Answer 4

not unless there's some sort of written agreement, in court it would be your word against hers.  

Answer 5

Yes its legal but you should send her a certified letter telling her first.