How long does a family legally have to collect their deceased family members belongings after they die?

jessicabrookex3: How long does a family legally have to collect their deceased family members belongings after they die?
I rent a few homes across the county that I legally own. Recently in one of the homes, the man renting the home died and was about 5 months late on back-rent. I need to know how long the family has to get his belongings out before I confiscate them myself. Do they even have the right to take items out of the home? Is there any way that I can receive the back-rent? Thanks.

Answers and Views:

Answer by FRAGINAL-NOYPI
You can remove the personal items of the occupant after a notice to the relatives within a reasonable period of time especially when there is still back-rent.

Answer by jokr8790
You would have to make a claim against the estate for all rent owing. If there is an estate send a letter both certified mail, return receipt requested and regular mail to the administrator (if he died w/o a will) or the Executor (if he died with one) and to the probate court stating they had two weeks to remove his belongings or they would be considered abandoned. In the same letter you should advise them to consider the letter a claim against the estate for the amount of the rent owed.

Answer by Maggie C
With back rent owed and no body showing up to claim them : I would get rid of the stuff and not worry about anything. I doubt you would ever get the back rent so just cash in whatever is valuable for your overdue rent and let justice serve you.

Answer by Ginger
You could move them to a storage area. You need to collect rent from new tenants. Each state law may vary but 30 days should be adequate. You may need to sue his estate to collect the back rent.