How to determine if tenant abandoned the unit.

[Tom Sharon]

Tenant has been in the place 25 years

Tenant texted me and told me he was leaving so I texted him to confirm he was out on the day he told me he would be, (no response) so I went to the unit. His TV and cats are gone but it appears the rest of the stuff is still there. I have been texting, calling, messaging with no response. The utilities are still on and in his name. I am anxious to take possession but want to confirm he has truly left. In the texts he told me he was moving to Minn and when I last saw him he appeared sick but when I asked how he was doing he just said awful and didn't want to talk about it. He told me his brother and sister were coming out to help him move.

I have posted a demand letter but it looks untouched since I posted on 2/6. I have asked neighbors, they say they have not seen him. What are suggestions on how to deal with this situation?

[Nathan Gesner]

P.S. when I enter a rental suspected to be abandoned, I will record it on video. Start the camera rolling at the front door, then walk through and document what was abandoned and the condition the rental was in.

P.P.S. You can also protect against claims by documenting cleaning, repairs, and other unpaid charges. If the tenant later complains you threw out $2,000 worth of belongings, you can hit back by showing you spent $3,600 to turn the unit around.