tenant left without notice

[confederate131]

Our tenant moved out without telling us and will not answer nor return phone calls. There is some damage inside and trash, debris and a dryer in the yard, as well as a few things left inside. Dec rent has never been paid either. What r our legal rights? Can we change locks?

 

[jacksgal]

Laws vary by state whats yours?

 

[confederate131]

South Carolina

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

The issue is "is this unit abandoned by the previous owners or do I need to go through the motions of filing for an eviction before I consider changing the locks?"

Have the utilities been discontinued by the previous tenants? That's often a sign that they've abandoned the place.

While most seasoned landlords would likely assume the tenants aren't coming back, if you are unsure (and are concerned about being charged with an illegal eviction should you change the locks and these folks come back) then study your states laws on the process of filing for eviction.

Gail