robert collins
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MD
My brother rented a house and let me store my piano in his/its basement. Upon his leaving the rental property and squaring up with the landlord (deposit, any penalties, etc.) the landlord told me I couldn't have my piano back. He said he would call the police if I come to the property or file trespassing clharges if I entered the property; I didn't. He said he still had rental and financial issues with my brother, however the landlord did obligate the termination of my brother's lease. He said until he is completely square with my brother, financially, he was going to withhold my piano. It has now been more than a year since he has withheld my piano. I waited this long because my brother asked me not to create a problem for him with his ex-landlord. Also, I am hoping there is some sort of statute of limitations as to how long the landlord can hold some greivance with my brother, if indeed there is any at all.
Is this legal, especially since it was not me that was renting the property? Can he, effectively, hold my piano for "ransom" until he is satisfied with any arrangements between himself and my brother more than a year later?
Finally, I can produce the person I bought the piano from, if there is any issue with proof of ownership.
My brother rented a house and let me store my piano in his/its basement. Upon his leaving the rental property and squaring up with the landlord (deposit, any penalties, etc.) the landlord told me I couldn't have my piano back. He said he would call the police if I come to the property or file trespassing clharges if I entered the property; I didn't. He said he still had rental and financial issues with my brother, however the landlord did obligate the termination of my brother's lease. He said until he is completely square with my brother, financially, he was going to withhold my piano. It has now been more than a year since he has withheld my piano. I waited this long because my brother asked me not to create a problem for him with his ex-landlord. Also, I am hoping there is some sort of statute of limitations as to how long the landlord can hold some greivance with my brother, if indeed there is any at all.
Is this legal, especially since it was not me that was renting the property? Can he, effectively, hold my piano for "ransom" until he is satisfied with any arrangements between himself and my brother more than a year later?
Finally, I can produce the person I bought the piano from, if there is any issue with proof of ownership.