What to Do with a Tenant’s Possessions After an Eviction?

July 20, 2026

What to Do with a Tenant’s Possessions After an Eviction?

Key Takeaways

• – Massachusetts landlords must follow the proper legal process when handling belongings left behind after an eviction.
• – A sheriff or constable generally arranges for the tenant’s possessions to be moved to an approved storage facility.
• – Landlords should document the situation carefully and avoid selling, discarding, or moving belongings without confirming their legal obligations.

An eviction is every landlord’s worst nightmare. After all, it’s a complicated and, more often than not, excruciatingly long process. There’s also the possibility of things not turning out in your favor. But even when they do, the process of actually evicting tenants can still be complicated.

Tenants could refuse to move out, leaving you no option but to get the authorities to forcibly remove them from the unit. Or they could move out willingly, but leave most of their belongings behind.

Evictions can be difficult, especially if you don’t know much about real estate laws. That’s why we’ve written this guide. If you recently evicted tenants who left belongings behind, this guide’s for you! Keep reading to learn from the experts at J. Butler Property Management what the best course of action is in such circumstances.

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A Breakdown of the Eviction Process in Massachusetts

The process typically starts with the landlord serving the tenant with a notice to quit. If the tenant remains after the notice period expires, the landlord may file a summary process eviction case in court. 

What follows is a series of court proceedings, where a judge will decide whether the landlord is right to evict the tenant. Evicting a tenant in Massachusetts requires patience. If the landlord wins, the court may issue an execution for possession after the applicable appeal period. Under the Massachusetts eviction timeline, a sheriff or constable must provide at least 48 hours’ notice before carrying out the physical eviction.

What Happens If Tenants Leave Their Possessions Behind After an Eviction

In Massachusetts, when a tenant is forcibly evicted from a property, the local authorities are required to place their belongings in a licensed storage facility. If the tenant fails to collect their possessions or pay for their storage for 6 months, the storage facility will be allowed to sell everything in their possession. In this case, the landlord won’t have to worry about storing or getting rid of any possessions tenants may have left behind. 

But what happens when tenants leave the property on their own accord and forget to take some of their things with them? Should you contact the tenant, dispose of the items, or arrange for storage? Massachusetts offers protections to tenants facing an eviction, so some of these options aren’t applicable. Keep reading to learn what the best course of action is in such cases.

Complying with the Massachusetts Eviction Storage Law

The eviction storage law was enacted in 2004 and amended in 2010 to protect tenants from fraudulent practices by eviction storage facilities. 

These companies typically charge landlords a fee to remove any belongings tenants have left behind, then charge tenants extremely high fees to release their possessions. That’s why the Massachusetts government now heavily regulates the moving and storage companies that deal with the belongings of tenants who have been evicted. 

What does this mean for landlords? Simply, if a tenant leaves some or all of their belongings behind during the eviction process, you cannot throw them away or call the first eviction storage company you find to come pick up their things. 

Instead, landlords are required to store the belongings in a licensed public warehouse and inform the tenant where their stuff is held. The sheriff or constable will arrange for the remaining possessions to be moved to an approved storage facility and provide documentation describing the property removed.

Landlords should also maintain clear, documented communication with tenants about where their belongings are being held and how they can retrieve them.

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Bottom Line

Evictions can be complicated and time-consuming. Then comes the aftermath: having to clean and repair the unit to find new tenants. But, in some cases, landlords also have to figure out what to do with any possessions the tenants have left behind. 

The state of Massachusetts has strict rental laws that protect tenants who’ve been evicted. Understanding how to comply with the local eviction storage laws will help you handle belongings left behind lawfully and recover full control of your property with ease.

Need help managing your rental properties? Contact J. Butler Property Management today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions about the Massachusetts eviction storage law, answered.

1. Who’s Responsible for Paying Storage Fees?

Tenants are responsible for paying the monthly fees for the storage of their property. However, landlords are expected to pay the cost of moving the belongings to the licensed storage facility. Luckily, landlords are entitled to be reimbursed by the tenant for this expense.

2. Are There Any Types of Possessions Eviction Storage Companies Won’t Take?

Yes, most eviction storage companies in Massachusetts won’t remove any animals left behind by tenants. In such cases, the landlord will have to notify the local animal control officer or police department of the presence and condition of the animals, so they can handle them.

3. How Can Tenants Recover Their Belongings?

Once their possessions are moved to the licensed storage facility, tenants will have one free-of-charge opportunity to inspect the property and to pick up any items with personal or sentimental value. But in order to get the rest of their belongings back, they’ll have to pay any monthly storage fees owed. If the tenant fails to claim their belongings and pay any owed fees within six months, the storage facility may sell everything in its possession.

4. What Can I Do If Tenants Leave Their Possessions Behind After the End of the Tenancy?

Eviction storage laws are only applicable to tenants who are facing an eviction or who have already been evicted. If a tenant leaves some of their possessions behind after the normal end of their tenancy, then the best approach would be to contact them and schedule a time for them to pick up anything they’ve left behind. This will help you maintain a positive relationship with former tenants and find an amicable resolution.

When belongings are left behind after a voluntary move out rather than a court ordered eviction, different legal considerations may apply. Landlords should document the items, attempt to contact the former tenant in writing, and obtain legal guidance before moving, storing, selling, or disposing of the property.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord tenant laws and procedures may change, and specific requirements can vary by situation. Property owners should consult a qualified Massachusetts attorney or the appropriate government agency for guidance about their circumstances.