What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Texas
Background Information
We recently purchased a used home in Missouri City, TX that was occupied by the previous owner at the time of the sale.
1 Summary - We had to spend about $2,000 to remove the previous owners abandoned items.
Details We were unaware of a closing inspection (our realtor did not tell us about this). We had been told that the property would be cleaned but when we entered the property after closing it was anything but clean. Some specifics - two obsolete 50 inch projector TVs weighing about 200 pounds each not in working condition. A very dilapidated (trying to be polite here) king size bed with mattress and box spring. Every bathroom was filthy and all rooms had rejected furniture left behind. There were a large number of marks and dents on the walls and built in shelves from moving furniture and electronic items. Our second mistake, we were too shocked and upset and did not take pictures - just channeled the anger into starting to clean the place.
2 Summary - Theft by previous owner
Details There were two statues at the front of the property, they were not listed as exceptions in the contract. We confirmed they were there when we entered the property after closing on Friday, 8/24 around 7.00 PM and on Saturday morning around 10.00 AM. When we came back on Sunday morning, the statues were gone. We have not filed a report with the police as yet, but are seriously considering this.
3 Abandoned Pontoon Boat left docked to the property
The previous owners have left behind a boat (does not appear to be in working condition, no cover, hence also very dirty). They sent us an email through our realtor five days after closing saying they have sold the boat sans any other details and no indication of when they will pick it. The boat is a complete eyesore and partially blocks the view of the water from our home. Bottom line - it has no business being there.
Questions
Firstly, I greatly appreciate anyone taking the time to be of help here.
1. Can we charge the owner of the boat rent for abandoning the boat on what is now our property to recover the expenses we occurred to clean up the mess they left behind?
2. Any other options to recover our expenses?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?
Background Information
We recently purchased a used home in Missouri City, TX that was occupied by the previous owner at the time of the sale.
1 Summary - We had to spend about $2,000 to remove the previous owners abandoned items.
Details We were unaware of a closing inspection (our realtor did not tell us about this). We had been told that the property would be cleaned but when we entered the property after closing it was anything but clean. Some specifics - two obsolete 50 inch projector TVs weighing about 200 pounds each not in working condition. A very dilapidated (trying to be polite here) king size bed with mattress and box spring. Every bathroom was filthy and all rooms had rejected furniture left behind. There were a large number of marks and dents on the walls and built in shelves from moving furniture and electronic items. Our second mistake, we were too shocked and upset and did not take pictures - just channeled the anger into starting to clean the place.
2 Summary - Theft by previous owner
Details There were two statues at the front of the property, they were not listed as exceptions in the contract. We confirmed they were there when we entered the property after closing on Friday, 8/24 around 7.00 PM and on Saturday morning around 10.00 AM. When we came back on Sunday morning, the statues were gone. We have not filed a report with the police as yet, but are seriously considering this.
3 Abandoned Pontoon Boat left docked to the property
The previous owners have left behind a boat (does not appear to be in working condition, no cover, hence also very dirty). They sent us an email through our realtor five days after closing saying they have sold the boat sans any other details and no indication of when they will pick it. The boat is a complete eyesore and partially blocks the view of the water from our home. Bottom line - it has no business being there.
Questions
Firstly, I greatly appreciate anyone taking the time to be of help here.
1. Can we charge the owner of the boat rent for abandoning the boat on what is now our property to recover the expenses we occurred to clean up the mess they left behind?
2. Any other options to recover our expenses?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?