removing ex-roomates things

[Alexandra4JC]

I had someone move in temporarily because she said her home was destroyed in the flood. She said it would be a couple of months and she was paying an agreed upon amount. No lease. I rent the apartment I live in. Nine months later she has moved herself out but she won't get her stuff out of my home. She has gotten a few things but won't adhere to the deadline I gave, which was January 31, and won't tell me when she will get all of her stuff. How can I legally force her to remove her things from my apartment? I live ni NJ and was told by the police that I can't legally throw her stuff out.

You normally need to try to give 30 days notice in writing that you intend to dispose of the items; and then also inform the local police what you are doing as well. After that you should be okay.

Unfortunately I have given more than 30 days notice and when I went to the police they told me I am not allowed to dispose of it. They said I had to get a lawyer so I wanted to write here to see what I had to do before I see if I can afford a lawyer or see if it's something I can file myself.

The police cannot make you keep it. But if you want to be even safer then file in court and have a judge approve. You can do that without a lawyer if you wish--nobody is likely to be fighting it with you.