Tenant abandoned apartment

[Mark Nimchuk]

My tenant, who was two months behind on rent, decided to leave without informing me. I found this out after going to collect the rent and the door was unlocked and all personal possessions gone. Only things left were leather sectional sofa, flat screen tv, Xbox gaming system, and a nice bedroom set. So I emptied all of this property into storage, and according to PA law, planning to hold it for 30 days and if tenant doesn't try to reclaim, will sell property to try to recoup my losses. Well, I just received a call from Aaron's rental furniture store, stating that my tenant told them to call me regarding their merchandise. I never realized the furniture was rented. All attempts to contact my tenant have failed. I never signed contract with Aaron's regarding furniture. My question is, can I continue with my plan of selling furniture to recoup losses, or do I have to give furniture back to Aaron's??? My thoughts are that this is my tenant's contract and I have no responsibility to respond to Aaron's rental store. Any responses would be greatly appreciated!!

[Patrick L.]

Originally posted by Mark Nimchuk:

How could Aaron's file a case against me??? I'm not listed on the contract. They don't have proof that I am in possession of the property.

Things like the TV and Xbox they have serial numbers for. The reason the tenant took everything else and left they can be arrested for trying to keep it. I've seen tenants apply for my rentals and their background check comes up with felony charges of "failure to return rented or leased property", which is what the charge is on something like that if the tenant had removed the property from that apartment. If you remove it from the residence and were notified by Aaron's that it's their property and you still want to sell it you're probably dealing in stolen property at that point and could be looking at a felony charge. It was never your tenant's owned property, it's rented. It has always belonged to Aaron's.