Question:

I have been holding my friends belongings for over a year; can he sue me if I got rid of it all?

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As the question states, I have a friend who lives overseas and his stuff has been in my house for over a year. I need to get rid of it for more space. However, I'm afraid that if I threw it all away would he be able to take me to small claims court for the amount the stuff is worth? How should I go about getting rid of it without going through headaches?

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  1. Write a letter to your friend informing him in clear concise wording that you need space and his stuff is taking up the space you require. Ask him if he wants it all shipped to him or should you give it to charity? Keep a copy of this letter in your file for future reference. If he doesn't reply write one additional letter and if he doesn't reply to that one then give the stuff to charity. It is a good idea to send the letter via signature requested by receiver. Also have your letter signed by a friend who will act as a witness that you wrote the letter and it was mailed.  


  2. well, if it is small trash like gum or legos, no, but if it is valuable out in the world or to them, then possibly, if i was you, i would give them back their things. it's the right thing to do.

  3. You need to give him a written warning that you will be needing to get his stuff out of your house.  Standard then is allowing 30 days for him to work out removal.  After 30 days notice you will be free to throw out his stuff.  Still check your local laws regarding this, usually this issue is dealt with by the Rental/landord/home leasing department in your local courthouse to determine the exact amount of time necessary based on your area.

  4. I would contact your friend and say it has to go by such and such a date - like within 90 days - or they can call to have somone pick it up in that timeframe (like a partent brother sister)

    If you are really concerned and have a couple of bucks, ship it to a relative  

  5. You need to get some simple legal advice for this.  You have  a Citizens' Advice Bureau there?

    Also, have you contacted them to ask what they want done with the stuff?  Do they have family that you could contact?

  6. It's like my mom always said: A friend who sues you isn't really a friend at all.

    I don't know how it is from a legal standpoint, but I gave my friend stuff that another friend gave me. He'll get it back eventually, I'm living free and easy, and my p**s poor friend has stuff to decorate his house with.

  7. The situation you describe is called a "bailment," and Wikipedia's article on this subject will probably be helpful.

  8. If you know his address, ask him!!! Then tell him you need the space, and what does he want to do with the stuff until he comes back! He may say, sell it for what you can get, and send him the money, or put it into to a stoage container, of course, he will have to pay for that!!! He may be gone for years, so it's up to him the make the decision!! Any furniture that is in good condition, don't just have a yard sale, because you will only make a few pennies on it. But, for goodness sakes, ASK him first before doing anything!!!

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