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Ownership of Furniture Left Outside

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  • 12-16-2016, 01:03 AM
    lawfacts
    Ownership of Furniture Left Outside
    A homeowner had some items of furniture outside of her house. Somebody else saw the furniture and thought it was being discarded, and took it. The homeowner has put up a sign asking that the furniture be returned. Does the person who took the furniture have to return it? If they don't, can they be charged with theft?
  • 12-16-2016, 06:06 AM
    Mr. Knowitall
    Re: Ownership of Furniture Left Outside
    Merely placing furniture outside does not mean that it is garbage. The furniture may be outdoor furniture. It may have been temporarily moved to allow for a room to be fully cleaned or carpet shampooing. Whether or not it would be reasonable to perceive the furniture as garbage would depend on the facts, including its placement on the property, but if the owner says it was not intended to be discarded odds are court (or the police and prosecutor) will take her at her word. If the person who took the furniture wants to avoid the possibility of criminal charges, the person should return the furniture.
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