Roommate Moved Out and Left Belongings Behind

[sosume22]

On 12-1-07 there were three of us that signed a 12 month lease agreement. On February 1st one of the roommates moved out without notice and did not make the payment for February rent. I went ahead and paid for February rent. Once he moved out he stole several items from the house that were property of mine and the other roommate’s. I contacted the landlord who stated that I can change the locks since he stole several items. I have tried to contact him several times with negative results. Sometimes he will contact me by a txt message saying that he will pay. I respond with the amount he owes and it needs to be paid promptly. He also has not made attempt to pay for the utilities and cable that he agreed to pay his part on. He left several items behind when he moved out. Per Missouri state statute I think that is classified as abandon property and when he moved out he has no legal right to be there anymore because he established residency somewhere else and abandoned the rental property. Today he has sent me a message that stated he will be coming over to pick up his stuff. What legal grounds do I have to keep him out of the house and to hold his property till he pays the amount he owes. Since he abandon the property do I even have to let him in the house?

[Mr. Knowitall]

If he owes you money, sue him in small claims court. You have no legal right to steal his belongings merely because he owes you money.