State Specific Question About: MISSOURI (MO)

I shared a home with my mother and sister. sister has since moved out, but left many belongings behind, including children's toys, her non running vehicle, a computer.

i have asked her to remove the items SEVERAL times over the last couple of months, she ignores my requests.

we have given away several of her things, including baby stuff, and one of those pools you can buy at walmart with the inflatable ring at the top.

also left behind in her wake is a living room, hallway, and 2 bedrooms with DESTROYED carpet, the one thing the landlord specifically mentioned he wanted to remain in good condition. her pets and kids DESTROYED it by letting the animals pee on the carpet, and not cleaning up on spills.

i have 2 questions...

what can be used to clean the carpets? we do have our own carpet cleaner, but is that enough?

Were the requests to remove the property in writing, or were they verbal?

Is this a LL/tenant situation even? What exactly do you mean by "share a home"?

- John...

not really.

mom mom leased a home for 3 years, and she is the only one on the lease. we all 3 lived together, but now my sister has moved out.

but now we are left to deal with the damages to the home, specifically the carpet. my mom and i obviously want to repair any damage by cleaning, but im also wondering if we shouldn't just pay to have the carpet completely replaced by the end of the lease. with pet odors, it's so hard to get those smells out.

So you are all tenants living in someone's place and having a little spat? Why are you asking Landlords what to do about this? Whether or not you can keep your sister's junk really isn't a question for Landlords.

- John...

What ya'll do with her property that she left behind is your business. Tell her you don't have room for it, and that you'll need to get rid of it, whatever, but that is between ya'll.

As for the damaged carpet, save your money up and hire a professional truck mounted carpet cleaning service. The Odor Xit product is also good, everyone here rants and raves about it, so you might go aways with that. . .but I'd hire a pro if I were you.

That will cost more money, but its either that or kiss your mom's deposit goodbye and then some if the damages are that extensive.

This is why on my leases I will not allow any adults other than those on the lease to live in a unit without a full screening, which includes credit, criminal and previous LL references among other things.

Your sister probably tore up someone else's property before she moved in with your mom (and she got evicted eventually), and now she's tearing up someone else's property.

People like that need to be held to account for the destruction and money they cost hardworking folks (because maintaining property isn't easy or cheap).

If it were me in your shoes as her roomate, I'd sell all her stuff for whatever it will bring, and use that money toward cleaning up the mess she made.

If it were my unit I would have served notice to your mom to MOVE as soon as I found out unauthorized adults (and pets, which I do NOT allow) had moved in. Your LL is somewhat at fault for letting ya'll do as you please by either not having a lease or not enforcing the one in place. Neither way is a good way to run a business. I guarantee the mess will cost the LL hundreds if not thousands to repair properly.

So if I were you I'd try to do right by the LL. What you do with your sister's stuff is up to you and your mom.

he is very aware of all who live in the home, as well as the pets. he allowed one dog in the house, which ironically the one he approved is the one that caused the disaster, as did my sister's kids.

i just asked about the property to learn what landlords have done with belongings left behind in their units, but i do realize it's a different situation.

we do want to do right by the landlord as my mom has perfect rental history and eventually i'd like to move on as well.

thanks for the advice on the carpet

If I were in your situation, I would give your sister one last warning with a date a few days later after which you will get rid of things. If she doesn't get them, then you and your mother should do whatever you want with them.

Re the carpet, often the carpet - and padding - and maybe floor underneath are damaged beyond repair by pet urine. Unfortunately, this may be a very expensive item for you.

If the rooms and hall are not big, get a quote on replacing the carpet and pad. It may be the same price as trying to clean the urine. The carpet cleaners charge extra for urine and stains.