Crazy landlords, What are they allowed to do?

Question

My landlords are claiming that I have stolen stuff from them. They left huge amounts of stuff in the house when I got here and now they are accusing me of hiding it in the home within my own items. They want to search through all my stuff, can they legally do this? They are family of mine and I would never steal from them but they are convinced. Help! I don't want my stuff searched thru because they are known to claim items that aren't theirs. I moved all their stuff to the garage because I didn't want it in my bedroom and they say it's not all there. I've been here for over 3 months and they have just started these threats!

Answer 1

Well, if they think you have some of their things, it would be best for them to go through them, even though they might claim some of your items. If they continue to threaten you. you can call the Police to get them off your property. Then you have to take them to court. This is going to require a lot of time and money( court costs) Your best bet is to Move Out. Unless you want to do the above mentioned. Good Luck

Answer 2

If they honestly believe you have stolen from them, tell them to contact the police.

If or when the police appear, they can serve as mediators to help resolve the problem.

Answer 3

MOVE. . . .get yourself out of there. . .things will get worse, not better. . .

Legally they have no right to search through your stuff, but. . . . .

they do have right to inspect property upon giving you notice, and you have right to be there. . . .

Do you have written lease or month to month?  Is it listed as furnished or unfurnished?

And why did you rent from them when they have such a reputation?  You are facing natural consequences of your actions and choices.  Make some better choices.

Answer 4

You just learned two important lessons.

1) NEVER rent from family.

2) ALWAYS do a walk through with a landlord - make sure to note anything that is in the house/apartment, as well as anything that might be damaged (DO NOT let them keep you from making a full list of all items - some will try to laugh off stuff, saying 'oh - thats nothing' - but it changes completely when you go to move out).

Without a full checklist of items - signed by the landlord, don't sign the lease.

As far as your current situation - they were idiots to leave that stuff in the first place, and I would let them know it.  Also make sure that they know that you don't appreciate being accused of being a thief and a liar.

Probably try to get the h**l out of there ASAP if it's an option.  If they want to keep on making baseless accusations, then let them.  Some people are just like that.  Without a warrant though - they aren't touching your stuff, especially since they won't be satisfied even if they do go through it - they'll just say you pawned it off/sold it.

Good luck!!  And like I said, try to learn from it.