What happens if I leave leftover junk in my house after I leave due to foreclosure? Will I be penalized? ?

Question

We live in California and we can't get everything out by the deadline.

Answer 1

If you leave items in the house, it would be unlikely that the lender will come after you for clean up costs.  However, removing any items considered part of the real property could have legal consequencies.

Answer 2

I doubt it ... but they will probably try to charge you some sort of fee for its removal.  

Answer 3

Robert,

             You need not leave the property before the foreclosure date. After the foreclosure, the lender will check out the property and find you in possession. Here in Caifornia, it is normal for them to pay a modest sum to assist your leaving the property. I have seen as much as $5,000 being offerred. Some will not make an offer and just file an unlawful detainer.

                If you are here in Los Angeles, it will take almost two months to obtain a Court Order for possession of the premises and another week for the sheriff  to come out.

                 NO YOU ARE NOT LIABLE FOR LEFTOVER JUNK AFTER YOU VACATE. That being the general rule, you want to be certain not to leave evidence of a crime (drugs, child p**n, human remains), hazardous materials or anything you do not want connected to you.

                 Understand that you have time to complete your moving out. NO YOU NEED NOT SCHEDULE AND PAY FOR A GARBAGE CONTAINER. It is a crime to remove items   incorporated into the property as a fixture like

fireplace screens, built-in spa's, built in appliances, sprinkler systems, wall safes and like items physically attached to the property.

Recently, a B.H. acquaintence removed  antique brass ceiling tiles he had installed in his family room but, hired a contractor to restore the ceiling to its original condition. Legal....No. Was Lender prejudiced or harmed....No.

Good Luck