I saw my tenant(s) moving out this weekend but they never left the keys. What steps do I need to take and do I have the right to request the keys via e-mail? Also, I file for an Eviction petition and I'm afraid they will not be served. Please advice.

Thank you.

Have you previously given them a vacate order? Was any notice of moving given?

I would enter the premises with a witness. If you see that the place has been cleaned out, then call a locksmith.

Hello l:

Sure, you have the right to request the keys. You may not get them, though. You were going to change the locks anyway, weren't you?

So, file your eviction, and WAIT till you have a court order before you change the locks and remove whatever they've left. Send the summons certified, to the address. Maybe they've forwarded their mail. Even if you can't serve them, there's a way to serve them by publication. It's a little more timely and a little more expensive, but it WORKS.

excon

Comments on this post
lgon47 : I have given them the Notice to Vacate and filed with the court (3 days later) for the Eviction. But I'm afraid that they will not be served since I do not have a forwarding address. Is it against the law to request the keys via e-mail and/or call

First, please don't use the comments for a follow-up. Use the Answer This Question options instead.

You have every right to request the keys. But, since you have asked them to vacate, you have the right to check that they have. If it appears that they have, then you can change the locks.