If you’re a landlord, you know cleaning out units after tenants leave can be stressful. You just never know what you’re going to find, and even the cleanest tenants leave items behind. Those tenants who aren’t so clean, well… let’s just say you can expect a big cleanup.
But what you may not know is that there are specific rules you need to follow. From photos to documents and medications to clothing, sometimes things get left by accident. Bearing that in mind, here are three things you should know about apartment cleanouts:
1) Most states stipulate a period of time you must hold personal property before disposal. For example, California requires up to 30 days. In Florida, you need proof of a ‘good faith’ attempt to contact the tenant. It’s important to know the guidelines for your state to avoid legal trouble.
2) Be careful with hazardous waste. When doing apartment cleanouts, many landlords don’t know the hazardous waste guidelines. But it’s worth knowing which items require special handling, such as:
- Batteries and fluorescent bulbs
- Cleaning liquids and other chemicals
- Old paint
- Electronics
Many states issue fines for improper waste disposal, but all cities have designated drop off points, such as hazardous waste facilities. When in doubt, a professional junk removal company can help.
3) Large items can be an expensive hassle. From mattresses to sofas, it may seem easier to drag these items to the curb, but illegal dumping can bring about big fines, which vary by city.
You can take it to the dump yourself, but by the time you’ve procured a truck, done the work to move the items, and paid dump fees, it’s costly. To avoid this, many landlords rely on cleanout professionals. These companies come with all the equipment and manpower needed for stress-free removal.
If you’re looking for professional apartment cleanouts in Kannapolis, our team at Move It! Hauling & Junk Removal LLC can help. Give us a call today for more details.