Can landlords remove tenant's items that they keep leaving out?

Question

I have some very problematic tenants. I already gave them quit notices and will be filing for an eviction soon. However, they keep leaving a pile of junk (boxes, furniture, etc) out on their driveway. Like, their whole driveway is literally their pile of junk, and it's all stacked.

The problem is, their driveway is right next to the driveways of my other two tenants. And the pile of junk that the problematic tenants have left out makes it almost impossible for the other two tenants to get in their cars!

This junk might also damage their cars, and it impedes into the driveways of the other tenants.

Can I legally have this pile of junk removed immediately, without waiting for an eviction? In the state of Oregon.

Bjorn Ahlblad · Answer

I definitely would not even think about that in a Blue state!

Scott M. · Answer

You can serve notice that they are in violation of the lease and you can call the city and make complaints.  But you can't just remove their stuff.  That will just escalate things between you and them and that is the last thing you want.

Bernie Neyer · Answer

You can serve them a notice of violation of the lease agreement. In it you can direct them how to resolve the issue.

Another option, and this depends on state statute, you can deliver them a 14/30 Notification. Essentially you state the issue at hand and give them 14 days to resolve the issue or 30 days to vacate the premises. This notification gives you the power to then evict them if they fail to stop the practice.

In your post you stated you were going to evict them anyway, It may pay you to either follow through with that or do cash for keys. If you really go after them they could get destructive.

When I've had problem tenants and gone after them on multiple violations, they seemed to not be able to hold two ideas at once. They just couldn't understand that they were late on their rent and trashing the place as well.