If You Have the Receipt Can You Take the Furniture

[MovingUp]

My question involves personal property located in the State of: New Jersey.

Let me put this out there. I was in love and dumb. Moved in with a guy and we were only together a few months when we signed a lease together. I moved out April 1st. The landlord is fully aware and is writing a letter stating that I am not liable for whatever happens after that date, and I requested her to have it notarized. Now, the story is very deep so I'll cut to the chase. I filed a police report against him for fraud and identity theft (and no not because of the furniture). I asked the officer if I had a bank statement showing I purchased a couch and chaise, was it mine to take back. The officer stated not unless I had a receipt. I went to the location of where the furniture was purchased. Requested a duplicate receipt be printed. It states, paid by me with my mastercard and I have the bank statement as well. My question is- is that mine to take back?

[jk]

My question is- is that mine to take back?

maybe, maybe not. We have no idea of any agreement you may have had with your ex as to the ownership of that furniture. It is presumptive proof but surely not definitive proof.

[MovingUp]

We never had any sort of agreement. Except for the fact that whatever we purchased we would look at it as I would pay half and he would pay half. He lost his job right after we signed the lease and the furniture was purchased with my money after the fact. (He does owe me for half of all the bills i have paid for, including rent and security deposit. I know I'll never see the money considering he is in the middle of a divorce and filing for bankruptcy.) I'm moving into my own place in a week and I was planning on picking up the couch and chaise (as well as the internet box that i need to mail back to the company since I closed the account). Wasn't sure if i could ask security to escort me or an officer because I'm not sure how he will react. But i do appreciate the advice. Thank you.

[jk]

since he has failed to pay for 1/2 of the furniture, arguably it is yours. If he objects to you taking it, the police will likely not demand he turn it over but rather suggest you seek a remedy in court.

you can ask security or the police to escort you. They are not obligated to do so so they may or may not oblige you.

[Mr. Knowitall]

If your question is, "If you have a receipt for furniture that's still in the apartment you used to live in, can you force your way in without the tenant's permission and take the furniture back," no. You need to either get permission or follow proper legal process, lest you end up like OJ.

[MovingUp]

oh no. I wouldn't force myself into the apartment. I never go over unannounced, or if he is not there (he and i do not have a bad relationship currently). I plan on bringing the letter from the landlord (once i receive it) and my set of keys to the relator that helped us find and lease the apartment so that he may have a copy of the letter stating I no longer live there. I appreciate the info back and will consult with a lawyer. Thanks again.

[horseyjess]

My question involves personal property located in the State of: New Jersey.

Now, the story is very deep so I'll cut to the chase. I filed a police report against him for fraud and identity theft (and no not because of the furniture). I asked the officer if I had a bank statement showing I purchased a couch and chaise, was it mine to take back. The officer stated not unless I had a receipt.?

oh no. I wouldn't force myself into the apartment. I never go over unannounced, or if he is not there (he and i do not have a bad relationship currently). I plan on bringing the letter from the landlord (once i receive it) and my set of keys to the relator that helped us find and lease the apartment so that he may have a copy of the letter stating I no longer live there. I appreciate the info back and will consult with a lawyer. Thanks again.

Ok OT but how do you not have a bad relationship if you had to file police reports for fraud and identity theft against him?

[cbg]

I have a question. What do you think that having the letter notarized will mean?