Resident Rental Agreements: Residents’ Personal Property

It is not required, but is a best practice that an organization consider residents’ personal property in your resident lease agreement. The agreement should notify residents that any property that they bring into the home is their responsibility and it is up to them to carry appropriate insurance to cover it.

Unfortunately, residents sometimes move out of a recovery home without notice and leave some of their personal belongings behind. Your resident rental agreement should be clear about what happens in such situations. You are required to note in the agreement that the organization will keep the resident property for a reasonable amount of time and allow the resident a reasonable opportunity to retrieve any belongings.

It is a best practice that an organization safely secure abandoned personal belongings, to avoid a resident’s belongings being misplaced and the resident feeling the organization is responsible. Taking reasonable steps to secure items can help you avoid these situations.

It is up to the organization to research any local laws and ordinances to ensure that residents are given enough time to get back their belongings before the items are disposed of appropriately. Seek appropriate legal guidance so you know your obligations regarding any resident property that is brought onsite and appropriate storage for residents who leave without notice.