Property Ownership Dispute Resolution

Summary

If your home purchase contract does not mention the furniture, it is likely considered part of the property you purchased. You should send a certified letter to the previous owner asserting that the furniture is now your property. Inform the renter that they should not allow anyone to remove items from your property. If the previous owner continues to cause issues, consider consulting with a local attorney to reinforce your rights.

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Sarah
Hi Sarah! How can I assist you with your legal issue today?
When I bought my home in * there was a renter living in the attached dwelling. The attached dwelling had furniture inside of it that belonged to the owner at the time. When the purchasing contract was signed by the seller and myself it did not list the furniture as being part of the sell that the seller wanted to keep. Now, four years later the previous owner has been contacting the renter to say she wants her furniture back. However, she has not reached out to me. How do I proceed in stopping the previous owner from coming on my property and getting the furniture? I have already changed the locks on the doors.
Hi Sarah! Here’s what you can do:
- Review your purchasing contract for any clauses about the furniture.
- Send a formal letter to the previous owner stating that any unmentioned items in the contract are now your property.
- Inform the renter that only you have authority over the property.
Have you already checked your purchasing contract for any specific mention of the furniture?
Yes, it has no mention of furniture.
Hi Sarah!
Given that the contract does not mention the furniture, you have a strong position. You can take the following steps:
- Send a certified letter to the previous owner stating that the furniture is now your property.
- Inform the renter that they should not allow anyone to remove items from your property.
If the previous owner continues to cause issues, you may want to consult with a local attorney to reinforce your rights.
Is there anything else you need help with?
Please construct a certified letter that I can send to the previous owner.
Sure, Sarah! Here is a template for your certified letter:
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[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Previous Owner's Name]
[Previous Owner's Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Previous Owner's Name],
Subject: Ownership of Furniture Left in Property
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to address the matter concerning the furniture left in the attached dwelling of the property located at [Your Property Address], which I purchased from you in *.
As per our purchasing contract signed on [Date of Contract], there was no mention of the furniture in the attached dwelling being excluded from the sale. Consequently, as the contract is silent on this matter, the furniture is now considered part of the property and is under my ownership.
Please refrain from contacting the current renter regarding the removal of any items from the property. Any attempts to enter the property without my explicit permission will be considered trespassing, and appropriate legal actions may be taken.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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If the previous owner continues to cause issues, itmight be a good idea to consult with a local attorney to ensure your rights are protected.
Is there anything else you need assistance with?