Lost, Abandoned, and Unclaimed Personal Property

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39. Lost, Abandoned, and Unclaimed Personal Property

Inevitably, each of us will be either the finder or loser of personal property. Whether at a park, on a bus, in a hotel or at a sporting event, the loss may be traumatic, but looking for the lost article may be merely the beginning of the drama of recovery. If you cant find the thing you are looking for, to whom do you turn for help? Likewise, should you be the finder of property, what are your responsibilities to locate the unfortunate person who lost it? How long must you wait before you can legally claim the property as your own? Moreover, are your responsibilities the same whether you find cash or a pet?

The tables that follow address only a fraction of these issues. A comprehensive treatment of all the issues surrounding lost, found or abandoned property can easily fill its own book. Topics not treated here are those concerning many financial matters, such as interest owed on closed bank deposits or notices of stock dividends to stockholders whose addresses have changed or who have died or otherwise changed their legal status, or the many ways in which automobiles may be abandoned such as in parking garages, repair shops, or on the sides of highways. This chapter also does not treat the issue of lost livestock, as the rules concerning livestock are astonishingly complex and varied. These tables address representative topics that will answer some of the more interesting and more common questions that arise in the field.

The chart addresses whether the state has formally adopted the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (UUPA). One of the ironies of the UUPA is that despite the word uniform in its title, adoption of it in the various states is anything but uniform. One of the features of the uniform acts movement is that each state that adopts a uniform act is free to modify it as much as it sees fit. As a result, for many uniform acts, there are as many variations as there are states. The UUPA is no exception. To date, 40 states have adopted some version of the UUPA, but even states that have not adopted it have adopted something very similar. Common areas of coverage under the UUPA include rules for disposing of abandoned gift certificates, gift cards, travelers checks, wages, insurance proceeds, utility refunds, etc. For purposes of this chapter, only the fact of a states adoption of the UUPA is noted.

Table 39: Lost, Abandoned, and Unclaimed Personal Property
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
ALABAMA
§13A-8-6; §13A-8-9 Misdemeanor theft if takes lost, mislaid or misdelivered property and does not make reasonable efforts to restore it to rightful owner§§ 35-12-1 to 35-2-5 Finder is depositary for hire. Finder may sell only if perishable or lawful charges amount to 2/3 of value § 34-15-13 Innkeeper not liable for any loss whatsoever if property was not delivered into innkeepers custody§§ 35-12A-1 to 35-12A-15 Landlord must store property and give 45 days notice before selling or disposing. If FMV is less than $750 then owner may dispose rather than sell§ 35-12-6
Vehicles and equipment, laundry and dry cleaning1 year; appliances3 months; all others6 months; all disposed of after 10 days notice by mail, advertisement, or posting at courthouse
§ 34-29-86
Animals left at vet abandoned after 10 days notice to owner
4-2A-21
Found at airport. Finder delivers to airport. Held for 45 days then to finder; if unclaimed then to airport or sold
Yes
§§ 35-12-70 to 35-12-96
ALASKA
§ 11.46.100; § 11.46.160 Theft if takes lost, mislaid or misdelivered property and does not make reasonable efforts to restore it to rightful owner with intent to deprive owner of property. Reasonable measures include notifying the identified owner or peace officer§ 12.36.045 Lost property delivered to police vests in finder 1 year after delivery or in agency if finder cannot be found§ 14.57.200
Title acquired after 7 years, notice or publication given, and 45 days
§ 14.57.210
Undocumented property acquired after 7 years plus 4 weeks notice plus 45 days
§ 08.56.060 Baggage left behind or sent in advance. Hotel may hold for 4 months and then may sell it or deliver it to storage§ 34.03.260 Landlord must give tenant 15 days notice before selling or disposing. If claimed after 15 days but before disposal tenant must pay storage costs§§ 45.50.230 to 45.50.235
Abandoned timber property. State can claim after 30 days public notice or 90 days from reporting
§§ 03.55.120 to 03.55.130
Animals found by police given to vet. Notice given to owner. Animal may be destroyed if not claimed within 10 days or bond posted
Yes
§§ 34.45.110 to 34.45.780
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
ARIZONA
§ 13-1802 Felony or misdemeanor theft if takes lost or mislaid property and failure to make reasonable efforts to notify the true owner §§ 44-351 to 44-356 Terminated or 7+ year expired loan vests in museum after 30 days notice and 2 weeks published notice Undocumented property acquired after 7 years, 2 weeks published notice, 65 days, 2 more weeks published notice§ 33-302 Innkeeper not liable for lost articles not delivered into their custody§ 33-1370 Landlord may sell property after 5 days mailed and posted notice and 10 days; proceeds to tenant; de minimus may be destroyed§ 28-8243 Aircraft. May sell at auction after 60 days abandonment, mailed or published notice of intent to sell, and 15 days
§§ 12-941 to 12-946 Held by public officer. Vests in finder after 90 days if tangible property, or if sold, notice or 18 days published notice to owner is required. If money then to state
Yes
§§ 44-301 to 44-339
ARKANSAS
§ 5-36-105 Felony or misdemeanor theft if takes lost or mislaid property known to have been lost, mislaid or misdelivered with intent to deprive true owner and fail to take reasonable measures to restore property to owner § 13-5-1004 Expired or 10+ year old loan vests in museum after 90 days notice by mail or publication. Undocumented property vests after 7+ years and 4 weeks published notice§ 20-26-302 Innkeeper not liable for lost property not delivered into their custody unless loss due to innkeeper negligence§ 18-16-108 Abandoned if left by tenant after voluntary or involuntary termination of the lease. Lessor may dispose as he sees fit without recourse by lessee§ 18-28-403 Mineral proceeds unclaimed for 5 years are deemed abandoned and are distributed under the UUPA § 18-28-101 Dry cleaning and audio/video equipment6 months. Owner may sell and retain proceedsYes
§§ 18-28-201 to 18-28-230
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
CALIFORNIA
Pen Code § 485 Grand theft or petty theft if takes lost property and does not make reasonable efforts to restore it to rightful ownerCiv Code §§ 2080.1 to 2080.5 $100+ finder takes to police. If $250+ and not reclaimed in 90 days then notice is published. If not claimed after 7 days notice it goes to finder. If less than $250 then to finder after 90 days; police may sell if perishable or lawful charges amount to 2/3 of valueCiv Code § 1899.11 Loans unclaimed for 7 years are disposed under UUPA. Notice must be given to owner 6 to 12 months before disposalCiv Code §§ 2081.1 to 2081.6 Property received but not delivered to owner is held for 60 days before public saleCiv Code §§ 1980 to 1992 15 day notice required to tenant. Property sold at public sale or if less than $300 owner may keep or disposeCiv Code § 1862.5 Property unclaimed 180 days after discharge from hospital may be sold
Civ Code §§ 2081.1 to 2081.6 Common carriers. Held 60 days before sale
Civ Code § 1834.5 Pets at vet abandoned after 14 days; destroyed after 10 days
Civ Code 2080 Finder of lost animal to provide care and within reasonable time inform owner
Yes
Civ Code §§ 1500 to 1527
COLORADO
   § 12-44-107 Innkeeper not liable for lost property not delivered into their custody except for articles lost in rooms; liability limited to $200 § 24-35-212 Lottery prizes are unclaimed after 180 days and remain in lottery fund
§ 7-30-109 Personal property of inactive non-profit association disposed after 3 years of inactivity
§ 38-20-116 Molds abandoned after 3 years and notice given to customer
§§ 42-13-101 to 42-13-109 Property acquired by law enforcement if unclaimed after 6 months is sold at public auction
Yes
§§ 38-13-101 to 38-13-134
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
* § 50-9: §§ 50-10 to 50-14 only apply if the municipality has adopted it by ordinance
CONNECTICUT
§ 50-10* Failure to deliver found property to police is up to $100 fine or up to 30 days imprisonment or both
§ 53a-119 Theft if takes lost, mislaid or misdelivered property and efforts not made to restore it to rightful owner
§§ 50-10 to 50 14*
$1+ report to police within 48 hours; deliver to police within 1 week; goods held for 6 months unless perishable; given to finder after 6 months or sold if not claimed by finder
 §§ 44-1 to 44-2 Innkeeper not liable for lost articles not delivered into their custody unless loss caused by innkeeper negligence§ 47a-1lb Landlord to keep personal property for 30+ days before disposing§ 50-3 Common carrier. Sold after 6 months and 4 weeks notice
§§ 50-1 to 50-2 Goods left with a person. Sold after 6 months and 1 month notice
§ 53-215 Abandoned refrigerator. Up to $100 fine or up to 30 days imprisonment or both for each day in violation
No
(§§ 3-56 to 3-76 are similar)
DELAWARE
11 Del C §§ 841 to 842 Theft if takes lost, mislaid or misdelivered property with intent to deprive owner of property and does not make reasonable efforts to restore it to rightful owner  24 Del C § 1502 If innkeeper provides a safe arid posts notice then innkeeper not liable for items not in safe25 Del C § 5507 Property deemed abandoned 7 days after appeal period has expired; may be disposed of by landlord without notice or liability2 Del C § 1320 Found on Del Turnpike. Held for 120 days then sold if $10+ or donated 29 Del C § 8026 Personal property held by Dept of Nat Res. lost after 1 yr; given to finder or sold
25 Del C §§ 4001 to 4007 Personal property left with another for 1+ yr is abandoned; title vests in holder after court declaration (includes but not limited to: cars, boats, furnishings, motorcycles)
11 Del C § 8307 Held by police. If money given to finder after 1 yr.; if property sold after 1 yr
No
(12 Del C §§ 1140 to 1224 are similar)
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
 §§ 5-119.01 to 5-119.11 Property found or turned over to police is given to Property Clerk. After 90 days notice is published for 2 weeks. If not claimed within 45 days then to finder. If not to finder then to city to be sold or destroyed § 30-103 Abandoned after 90 days, sold after 15 days notice § 35-101 Common carrier. Lost after held for 6 months and may be sold after 3 weeks notice
§ 8-1805
Pets abandoned 7 days after impounding if wearing ID or 5 days if not, either adopted or disposed of
§ 5-119.12
Pets if taken up by police held for 20 days and sold after 10 days notice
Yes§§
41-101 to 41-142
FLORIDA
§ 705.102 Felony or misdemeanor theft if takes lost or abandoned property for own use. Finder must report their finding to police and deposit money with the police to cover storage costs if the finder wishes to make a claim to the property if the true owner cannot be found§ 705.103 Held for 90 days by police; if less than $100 then must post notice for 45 days; $100+ notice and 2 weeks published notice; if no claims then sold§ 265.565 Unclaimed loan vests in museum after 90 days notice to known owner or 90 days notice and 2 published notices to unknown owner§ 509.111 Owner not liable for lost property unless negligent; liability limited to $500 unless guest inventoried items with owner, then liability limited to $1,000§§ 715.10 to 715.12 10 days delivered notice or 15 days mailed notice required; $500+ value is sold; tenant has 1 year to claim proceeds; if less than $500 landlord may keepLost on university campus: held for 30 days then sold (§ 705.18); Jewelry1 year; tv/radio repair6 months (§ 715.065); Dry cleaning6 months (§ 715.03)
§ 705.19 animals with vet deemed abandoned if unclaimed after 10 days notice, given to pound for disposal
Yes
§§ 717.001 to 717.1401
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
GEORGIA
§ 16-8-6 Theft if takes lost or mislaid property known to be lost without taking reasonable measures to restore it to rightful owner  §§ 43-21-8 to 43-21-12 Owner only liable for property entrusted to him up to $750 which is lost or damaged § 44-14-491 Animals abandoned at vet may be disposed of after 10 daysYes
§§ 44-12-190 to 44-12-236
HAWAII
§ 708-830 Theft if takes lost or mislaid property known to have been lost or misdelivered without taking reasonable measures to restore it to rightful owner§ 52D-10; § 52D 12; § 52D-14 Finder to deliver property to police, held for 45 days then to finder; if not claimed by finder within 30 days then sold § 486K-4; § 486K-5 Owner only liable for property entrusted to him up to $500 absent special agreement § 109-8; § 261-17.7 Lost at stadium or at airport. Held for 45 days then to finder or sold if not claimed within 30 days
§ 142-99 Lost animal. Finder must immediately notify owner or shelter; violation is $500 fine
Yes
§§ 523A-1 to 523A-41
IDAHO
§ 18-2403 Theft if takes lost or mislaid property known to have been lost or misdelivered without taking reasonable measures to restore it to rightful owner who is known or reasonably ascertainable, intending to deprive owner of the property§ 55-405 Finder of goods $100+ shall give notice to county clerk within 10 days and within 20 days give 2 weeks published notice; after 3 months finder is owner. Liable to county for value of goods if fail to comply § 39-1808 Held for 60 days then sold after 15 days notice §§ 55-1401 to 55-1404 Common carrier/RR. Held for 4 months then sold after 20 days notice and 10 days published notice
§ 55-403
Held by police. Sold after 6 months; bicycles after 90 days; value $25 or less after 30 days
§ 25-3511 Finder of animal to give notice to owner, provide care, may be adopted if no owner
Yes
§§ 14-501 to 14-543
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
ILLINOIS
720 ILCS § 5/16-2 Theft (petty offense) if takes lost or mislaid property known to have been lost or misdelivered without taking reasonable measures to restore it to rightful owner who is known or reasonable ascertainable, intending to deprive owner of the property765 ILCS §§ 1020/27 to 1020/29 Less than $100, advertise at courthouse, vests after 6 months; $100+ file affidavit with court within 5 days, notice published for 3 weeks, vests 1 year after publication; vessels worth less than $15 must give notice, vests after 3 months765 ILCS §§ 1033/1 to 1033/50 Acquires title to loaned property 1 year after notice of intent to terminate the loan, if hazardous then no notice required
Undocumented property acquired after 7 years
740 ILCS § 90/4 Liability limited to $100 regardless of negligence of innkeeper unless contrary agreement. After 10 days innkeeper may deposit in warehouse 765 ILCS § 1020/21 Rafts, timber, planks, same procedure as lost property
725 ILCS § 5/110-17 Bail deposits over $100 unclaimed after 3 years, notice then given. Vests in state after 5 years
770 ILCS § 90/1 Common carriers/RR may sell after 6 months and 15 days notice
Yes
765 ILCS §§ 1025/1 to 1025/30
INDIANA
  §§ 32-34-5-1 to 32-34-5-16 Permanent or expired loan requires notice and 1 year before acquisition.
Undocumented property acquired after 7 years plus 3 years notice
§§ 32-34-2-1 to 32-34-2-2 Unclaimed after 3 months, sold after notice and 2 weeks publication, proceeds to county after 1 year§§ 32-31-4-1 to 32-31-4-5 After ejectment property delivered to warehouse after notice to tenant, after 90 days may be soldMolds: 3 years vests in molder (§ 32-34-6-5); Silk screens: 3 years vests in maker or destroyed (§ 32-34-7-5); drifting boats, timber, rafts, logs: sold after 60 days (§ 32-34-9-2)
§ 10-11-5-3 Held by police: sold after 6 months and 2 weeks notice
Yes
§§ 32-34-1-1 to 32-34-1-52
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
IOWA
 §§ 556F.6 to 556F.16 Within 5 days must notify police. $5+ must put notice on courthouse and 3 most public places; $40+ requires posting and 3 weeks publication, vests in finder after 12 months
§ 556F.17 Double value fine if sell, loan, or take property out of the state before title vests; ½ to plaintiff, ½ to county
§ 556F.18 $20 fine for noncompliance
§§ 305B.6 to 305B.7 Permanent or expired loan requires notice and 1 year before acquisition
Undocumented property after 7 years plus 3 years notice
§ 671.5 After 48 hours, hotel holds baggage at risk of owner Dry cleaning: 4 months, to be given to nonprofit (§ 556G.1); Deer venison: 2 months, to be given to nonprofit (§ 556H.1); Dies, molds, forms: 3 years and 90 days notice, vests in molder (§ 556C.2)
§ 162.19 Pets: Abandoned at vet after 7 days, 14 days notice then given, after 7 more days animal is destroyed
§§ 556F.1 to 556F.5 Vessels, rafts, logs, lumber. Within 5 days must give affidavit to court. $5+ give affidavit to court, appraised; $20 or less notice on courthouse and 3 most public places, vests in finder after 6 months; $20+ notice and publication, after 90 days sold, money to county
Yes
§§ 556.1 to 556.30
KANSAS
§ 21-3703 Misdemeanor theft if takes lost or mislaid property without taking reasonable measures to restore it to rightful owner known to the finder and intends to deprive the owner of the property § 58-4005 Permanent or expired loan requires 90 days notice before acquisition
§ 58-4006 Undocumented property vests after 7 years plus 1 year notice
§ 36-402 Liability limited to $250 unless property delivered to innkeeper or contrary agreement§ 58-2565 Landlord may sell or dispose after 30 days so long as 15 days published notice given and 7 days notice to tenant. Proceeds to landlord§ 58-817 Self-stored property may be sold 45 days after default and notice twice given to occupant. Proceeds held for 1 year, then to stateYes
§§ 58-3934 to 58-3980
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
KENTUCKY
§ 514.050 Felony (300+) or misdemeanor if takes lost, mislaid, or misdelivered property with intent to deprive owner and not taking reasonable measures to restore it to owner § 171.836; § 171.840 Expired or 7+ yr old loan requires notice and 2 weeks publication and 6 month wait before acquisition§ 306.030 Liability limited to $100 for property left behind § 393.095 Pari-mutuel tickets abandoned 2 years after it was payable
§ 95.435 Property held by police. Held for 3 months then sold, proceeds to city
No
(§§ 393.010 to 393.999 are similar)
LOUISIANA
 CC art 3419 Finder must make diligent effort to find owner, after 3 years acquires title
CC art 3420 Finder of treasure in a thing acquires title if no one owns thing, or gets ½ if someone does own the thing
RS § 25:345; § 25:379.5; §§ 25:380.4 to 25:380.105 Held by any state museum. Acquires after held for 10 years, 2 weeks notice, 65 daysCC art 2945 Innkeeper liability limited to $500 if provides a safe and posts notice of the safe unless contrary agreement RS § 40:2811 Abandoned at hospital. 30 days notice to patient; 130 days to others before hospital acquires; sold in January, proceeds to hospital for indigent use
RS § 11:540 Unclaimed retirement checks vest in state after 3 years
Yes
§§ RS 9:151 to 9:181
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
MAINE
17-A MRS § 356-A Felony or misdemeanor if takes lost, mislaid, or misdelivered property with intent to deprive owner and not taking reasonable measures to restore it to owner33 MRS §§ 1051 to 1058 $3+ place notice in public place and notice to town clerk; $10+ notice and publish notice and notice to town clerk; city appraises item(s). Owner has 6 months to claim. Finder claims by paying ½ of value to town. Failure to give notice is penalty up to $20 or ½ of value27 MRS § 601 Acquires after held for 25 years, 2 weeks published notice, 65 days30 MRS §§ 3851 to 3854 Innkeeper not liable for property not delivered into their custody14 MRS § 6013 $750+ disposed under UUPA. $750 or less requires 14 days notice and 10 day period for tenant to claim before may be sold; proceeds to landlord for liens, remainder to state25 MRS §§ 3501 to 3507 Found or held by police. Held for 30 days; then notice published; sold after 6 months and 15 days; proceeds disposed of under UUPA. If finder turned it over to police then to finder after 6 monthsYes
33 MRS §§ 1951 to 1980
MARYLAND
Crim. Law § 7-104. Felony or misdemeanor theft if takes lost, mislaid, or misdelivered property with intent to deprive owner and not taking reasonable measures to restore it to owner known or reasonably ascertainable to finder  Business Reg. § 15-103 Innkeeper not liable for items not deposited with the hotel so long as innkeeper not negligent Nat.Rsrcs § 1-2A-01 Held by dept for 6 months, sold after 30 days notice
Nat.Rsrcs § 5-213 Lost in state parks. Held for 1 year, then to state Business Reg. § 19-102 Common carrier. Held for 3 months, sold after 10 days notice
Educ. § 13-702 Finder on university property. Held for 1 year by university then to finder or to state if not claimed within 30 days
Yes
Comm. §§ 17-301 to 17-326
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
MASSACHUSETTS
 134 §§ 1, 3, 4 $3+ to report to police within 3 days or if no police post notice in 2 places or publish notice; vests in finder after 1 year 140 § 14 Sold after 6 months after notice posted for 4 weeks and notice published for 3 weeks and notice by registered mail to owner 92 § 89 to 92 § 94 Found by police. Held for 6 months then sold after published notice; proceeds to state if not claimed within 2 years
135 § 1 Common carriers. Held for 120 days, sold after 5 weeks published notice; proceeds to state
135 § 6 Railroad or vessel. Held for 1 year, sold after 3 weeks published notice, proceeds to state if not claimed within 3 years
134 § 2;134 § 5 to 134 § 7 Lost Pets. Report to police or post notice in 2 places or publish; finder may sell after 3 months
No
(175 § 149A to 175 § 149D; 158 § 17; 171 § 75 are similar)
MICHIGAN
 § § 434.21 to 434.28 Finder to report lost property to police in jurisdiction where found, police stores property, notice sent to owner, has 6 months to claim, then to finder, or sold and proceeds to police§ 399.611 Undocumented vests in museum after 35 years and 2 weeks published notice if budget $50,000+ or after notice posted in museum if $50,000 budget or less§ 427.101 Liability for items placed in the custody of the hotel is that of a depositary for hire §§ 434.181 to 434.184 Found by police. Held for 6 months, sold after 5 days published notice, proceeds to city if not claimed within 6 months
§ 431.252 Unclaimed winning tickets held for 60 days then to licensee
§ 432.33 Unclaimed lottery winnings held for 1 year then to state
Yes
§§ 567.221 to 567.265
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
MINNESOTA
 § 16B.25 Lost on state lands may be sold; proceeds to state
§§ 345.01 to 345.07 Unclaimed with business for 1 year plus 60 days notice delivered to police; sold after 10 days notice; proceeds to county after 5 years
§§ 345.70 to 345.74 Expired or 7+ yr old loan requires 2 months notice to owner and/or published notice and 2 month wait before acquisition Undocumented property after 7+ years 2 months notice and 90 days§ 327.71 No liability to owner for property not delivered into innkeeper custody unless innkeeper negligent; lost in room liability limited to $1,000; abandoned property may be disposed of or placed in storage after 10 days§ 504B.271 Landlord may sell or dispose after 60 days and 14 days written notice to owner and posted notice. Up to $300 damages if tenant not allowed to retake within 24 hours§ 345.20 Dies, molds vest in molder after 3 years
§§ 345.09 to 345.13 Common carriers. Store after 60 days, sold after 12 months
Yes
§§ 345.31 to 345.60
MISSISSIPPI
  §§ 39-19-1 to 39-19-21 Acquires title after actual notice to lender or 2 published notices 60 days apart and 90 day wait§§ 75-73-5 to 75-73-7 If innkeeper provides a safe then not liable for items not .delivered to them; for delivered items innkeeper is depositary for hire § 89-17-1 Timber, boats, floatable things of value abandoned in waters may be claimed by finder
§ 19-3-85; § 21-39-21 Found/held by police. Notice posted in 3 public places, sold after 120 days, proceeds to police
Yes
§§ 89-12-1 to 89-12-57
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
MISSOURI
§ 570.060 Finder not guilty of stealing property unless it was found under circumstances which gave finder knowledge or means of inquiry as to true owner; felony or misdemeanor if finder liable for stealing under 570.030§§ 447.010 to 447.060 $10+ give affidavit to judge within 10 days of finding, judge appoints 3 people to appraise, notice posted on courthouse and 4 other public places; if $20+ then after 40 days must publish notice for 3 weeks; after 180 days vests in finder; owner has 1 year to reclaim§ 184.111 Loan may be terminated and property acquired after 7 years and 90 days notice
§ 184.112 Undocumented property acquired after 7+ years and 90 days notice
§§ 419.010 to 419.020 No innkeeper liability if provides a safe and gives notice to guest§ 441.065 Landlord may dispose of property presumably abandoned after 30 days posted and mailed notice plus 10 days§§ 447.070 to 447.110 Common carrier. Held for 60 days then sold after 20 days noticeYes
§§ 447.500 to 447.595
MONTANA
§ 45-6-302 Up to $500 fine or 6 months jail time if knows owner or reasonable method of identifying owner, and fails to take reasonable measures to restore property, with intent to deprive owner§§ 70-5-101 to 70-5-201 $10+ must use reasonable diligence to notify owner if known, finder gets rights of depositary for hire; finder may sell only if perishable or lawful charges amount to 2/3 of value§§ 22-3-501 to 22-3-510 Loan may be terminated after 7+ years, 30 days mailed. notice to owner or 3 weeks published notice if unknown owner§§ 70-9-501 to 70-9-502 Unclaimed baggage held for 6 months then sold after 4 weeks published notice, proceeds to county if not claimed within 1 year of sale§ 70-24-430 Abandoned after 5 days, notice to owner given, may be disposed 15 days after notice. If sold proceeds to county after 3 years after costs deducted§§ 70-9-402 to 70-9-404 Common carrier. Sold after 90 days, 20 days notice of sale to owner and 10 days published notice, proceeds to county after 60 days
§ 70-9-601 Laundry/dry cleaningdisposed of after 180 days
Yes
§§ 70-9-801 to 70-8-829
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
NEBRASKA
§ 28-514 Misdemeanor theft if takes lost, mislaid, or misdelivered property with intent to deprive owner and not taking reasonable measures to restore it to owner § 51-704 Expired or indefinite loan terminated after 30 days mailed notice to owner or 3 weeks publication to unknown owner and 1 year wait
§ 51-705 Undocumented property acquired after 7+ years, 30 days mailed notice to owner or 3 weeks publication for unknown owner, and 3 years
§ 41-208 If safe and notice provided then no liability for items not delivered into custody of hotel§§ 69-2301 to 69-2314 7 days personal notice or 14 days mailed notice must be given to tenant; less than $250 may be disposed; $250+ may be sold, proceeds to state§§ 69-1331 to 69-1332 Held by county sheriff. Held for 180 days then sold after 3 weeks published notice, proceeds to county if unclaimed after 2 yearsYes
§§ 69-1301 to 69-1329
NEVADA
§ 205.0832, § 205.0835 Felony or misdemeanor theft if takes lost, mislaid, or misdelivered property with intent to deprive owner and not taking reasonable measures to restore it to owner  § 381.009 Acquires property after 3+ years, 2 weeks published notice, 60 day wait§ 118A.460 Landlord stores for 30 days, may dispose after 14 days notice to tenant§ 396.432 Held by university. Vests after 1 year. Money kept, property sold or donated to charity
§§ 108.380 to 108.430 Common carrier. Held for 60 days, sold after 10 days published notice, proceeds to county
§ 663.085 Safe deposit box3 years
Yes
§§ 120A.010 to 120A.450
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
NEW HAMPSHIRE
§ 637:6; § 636:11 Felony or misdemeanor theft if takes lost, mislaid, or misdelivered property with intent to deprive owner and not taking reasonable measures to restore it to owner § 201-E:4 Expired or 5+ yr old loan requires notice and 2 weeks publication and 90 day wait before acquisition
§ 201-E:3 Undocumented property held 5+ years acquired after notice and 90 days
§ 353:1 No liability for items lost in rooms and innkeeper negligence liability limited to $300 § 471-D:2 Repair business may dispose of property less than $500 if left for 60+ days
§§ 377:18 to 377:21 Common carrier. Sold after 1 year and 7 days notice and publication if value $100+
Abandoned: Safe deposit box5 years (§ 385:4); Stock3 years (§ 292:31); Insurance funds6 years (§ 402 C:47); Self-storage property30 days plus 14 days notice (§§ 451-C:1 to 451-C:7); Animals at vet7 days (§ 437:19)
No
(§§ 471-C:1 to 471-C:43 are similar)
NEW JERSEY
§ 2C:20-6 Theft if takes lost, mislaid, or misdelivered property with intent to deprive owner known to finder and not restoring it to owner§§ 46:30C-1 to 46:30C-5 Owner of premises where found may claim within 120 days; finder may claim all other property within 120 days; if neither claim then city clerk may sell under UUPA § 29:2-2 If safe and notice provided then no liability for items not delivered into custody of hotel§§ 2A:18-72 to 18-84. May be sold or disposed of after 30 days notice; if proceeds unclaimed after 10 years then to state§ 2A:44-14 Common carrier. Sold after 6 months and 6 days notice; proceeds to state
§ 40A:14-157 Held by police. May be sold after 6 months and 10 days notice
§ 30:4-134 Held by state institutions. Sold after 1 year; proceeds to state
Yes
§§ 46:30B-1 to 46:30B-109
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
NEW MEXICO
  §§ 18-10-1 to 18-10-5 Expired or 7+ yr old loan requires mailed notice or 2 weeks publication and 65 day wait before acquisition§ 57-6-1 If safe and notice provided then no liability for items not delivered into custody of hotel § 29-1-14 Held by police. $50+ held for 90 days may be sold or destroyed after 2 weeks noticeYes
§§ 7-8A-1 to 7-8A-31
NEW YORK
Pers. P § 252 Misdemeanor theft if refuses or willfully neglects to comply; punishable by fine up to $100 and/or 6 months imprisonmentPers. P §§ 251 to 258 $20 or more return to owner or police within 10 days; vests in finder after 1 year if less than $10; 3 months if less than $100; after 6 months if $100 to $500; one year if $500 to $5,000; 3 years if more than $5,000; notice to be given 3 months before vesting; if not claimed then sold at public auctionEduc. § 233-a; PRHPL §§ 19.17 to 19.19 Expired or 5+ year old loan requires two 120 day notices and if no response, application to the supreme court to declare museums right to the property Undocumented property held for 5+ years requires published notice and 180 days, if no response, application to supreme court to declare museums right to propertyGen.Bus. § 201 Innkeeper not liable for any loss of clothing or other personal property damaged or lost in the lobby, hallway, or room for any sum exceeding $500 unless loss due to negligence of innkeeper Agr. & M §§ 351 to 352 Animals at vet after 10 days
Aban. Prop. § 300 Safe deposit box after 5 years
No
(Aban. Prop. §§ 101 to 1502 are similar)
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
NORTH CAROLINA
    § 42-25.9 If less than $100 landlord may throw property away after 5 days; if $500 or less landlord can deliver to nonprofit after posting notice§ 53-43.7 Safe deposit boxes. Notice given after 90 days unpaid rent; opened after 30 more days; abandoned after 2 years, contents to state
§ 66-67.1 Repair shop property may be disposed after 60 days and notice given
§ 62-209 Common carrier may sell at public auction after 60 days and notice given
Yes
§§ 116B-51 to 116B-80
NORTH DAKOTA
§§ 12.1-23-04 to 12.1-23-05 Felony or misdemeanor theft if takes lost, mislaid, or misdelivered property with intent to deprive owner and not taking reasonable measures to restore it to owner§ 60-01-34 Money or property given to police by finder vests after 2 years, otherwise finder is depositary for hire and must diligently seek to notify owner; finder may sell only if perishable or lawful charges amount to 2/3 of value§§ 55-12-01 to 55-12-04 Vests after 10 years and 2 weeks published notice and 65 day wait § 47-16-30.1 Less than $1,500 may be disposed of without legal process if more than 30 days since tenant vacated§§ 8-03-09 to 8-03-10 Common carrier may sell at public auction after holding for 6 months and notice givenYes
§§ 47-30.1-01 to 47-30.1-38
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
* Municipality may, by ordinance, authorize a portion of the sale proceeds to be paid to the finder as a finders fee. Police only hold property if the finder has relinquished any future claim to its ownership, otherwise the finder retains possession.
OHIO
  §§ 3385.02 to 3385.03 Expired or 7+ year old loan vests in museum after mailed or published notice and 6 month wait§ 4721.01 Innkeeper not liable for lost property unless guest has delivered it to innkeeper for custody § 1333.22 Dry cleaning disposed of or sold after 180 days and notice
§ 3770.06 Unclaimed lottery prizes transferred to state
§ 4741.30 Animal at vet abandoned after 10 days, send to shelter or pound
No
(§§ 169.02 to 169.13 are similar)
OKLAHOMA
21 Okl. St. §§ 1702 to 1706 Felony or misdemeanor theft if takes lost property with intent to deprive owner known or reasonably ascertainable to finder and not taking measures to restore it to owner15 Okl. St. §§ 511 to 518 Finder is a bailee for hire and must diligently give notice to owner; finder may sell only if perishable or lawful charges amount to 2/3 of value60 Okl. St. § 683.2 Museums not subject to UUPA but may avail itself of its provisions 41 Okl. St. § 52 Landlord may take possession of nonresidential tenant property after 15 days and giving notice; may be sold if unclaimed
41 Okl. St. § 130 Residential tenant property is conclusively presumed abandoned after 30 days and landlord ma dispose
11 Okl. St. § 34-104 Held by Police. May dispose of unclaimed money or personal property held for 90+ days. If $100+ notice must be given to last known owner by mail; if $500+ mailed and published notice must be given. If still unclaimed then property may be sold, auctioned, donated, disposed of, or destroyed; sale proceeds to municipality*Yes
60 Okl. St. §§ 651 to 688
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
OREGON
§ 164.065; § 98.015 Felony or misdemeanor theft if takes lost, mislaid, or misdelivered property with intent to deprive owner and not taking reasonable measures to restore it to owner. Liable to county for full value of the goods§ 98.005 If $100+ give notice within 10 days to county clerk where found and deposit property with clerk. Within 20 days must publish notice once a week for 2 weeks. Vests in finder 3 months after notice to clerk  § 90.425 Landlord may sell or dispose of property after notice given and 15 days§§ 98.110 to 98.240 Held by Bailee. Delivers to justice of the peace to sell after 1 year and 60 days notice to owner and 10 days notice of sale
§ 98.245 Held by policesold after 60 days
§ 98.475 Molds after 3 years if no agreement
§ 98.642 Logs, timber abandoned after 30 days; vests in state
Yes
§§ 98.302 to 98.436
PENNSYLVANIA
18 PaCS § 3924 Felony or misdemeanor theft if takes lost, mislaid, or misdelivered property with intent to deprive owner and not taking reasonable measures to restore it to owner  37 PS § 61 Innkeeper not liable for lost property unless guest has delivered it to innkeeper for custody and notice posted 6 PS § 33.5 Dry cleaning, laundry, shoe repair may dispose after 30 days notice
16 PS § 8437 Unclaimed morgue property disposed after 1 year
No
(72 PS §§ 1301.1 to 1301.29 are similar)
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
RHODE ISLAND
 §§ 33-21.2-1 to 33-21.2-5 If $50 or more must report to police within 2 days and deliver property to police; vests in finder after 90 days; vests in state after 6 months if finder does not claim; finder may sell only if perishable or lawful charges amount to 2/3 of value § 5-14-1 Innkeeper not liable for lost property unless guest has delivered it to innkeeper for custody  Yes
§§ 33-21.1-1 to 33-21.1-41
SOUTH CAROLINA
  §§ 27-45-10 to 27-45-100 Terminated loans or undocumented property held for 10+ years, may be claimed after giving notice by certified mail and 4 weeks publication and 120 days§ 45-1-40 Innkeeper not liable for lost property unless guest has delivered it to innkeeper for custody or negligence by the innkeeper§ 27-40-730 Abandoned personal property of $500 or less may be disposed of by landlord; if $500 or more landlord not liable unless grossly negligent§ 58-13-610 Common carrier. May sell after giving notice, unclaimed after 60 days; refused property after 30 days
§ 27-21-20 Held by police. Sold after 60 days
Yes
§§ 27-18-10 to 27-18-400
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
SOUTH DAKOTA
§ 22-30A-6 Felony or misdemeanor theft if takes lost, mislaid, or misdelivered property with intent to deprive owner and not taking reasonable measures to restore it to owner§§ 43-41-1 to 43 41-10 Finder as a depositary for hire must make diligent efforts to find owner; finder may sell only if perishable or lawful charges amount to 2/3 of value§§ 43-41C-1 to 43-41C-4 Property held for 10+ years over which no one has made a claim vests in museum after 2 weeks published notice and 65 days§§ 43-40-1 to 43-40-6 Innkeeper not liable for lost property unless guest has delivered it to innkeeper for custody§§ 43-32-25 to 43-32-26 Property not exceeding $100 in value may be disposed of 10 days after tenant has left premises; if $100+ then landlord must store for 30 days before disposing§ 43-41-11 Lost, abandoned or confiscated bicycles held by police donated to nonprofit after 90 days
§ 43-41B-2 Intangible property held by business is abandoned after 5 years
§ 43-41B-7 Life insurance abandoned after 4 years
No
TENNESSEE
  § 66-29-203 Property held for 20+ years over which no one has made a claim vests in museum after 2 weeks published notice and 65 days§ 62-7-103 Innkeeper not liable for lost property unless guest has delivered it to innkeeper for custody§ 66-28-405 Lost after 30 days absence and 10 days notice; landlord may then sell or dispose§ 8-8-501 Held by police. Disposed of after 6 months
§ 65-20-102 Common carrier. Lost and subject to sale after 2 weeks published notice and 30 days
§ 66-16-107 Dry cleaning. Lost and sold after 90 days notice and 12 days notice of sale
Yes
§§ 66-29-101 to 66-29-153
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
TEXAS
Prop. Code § 74.710 Failure to comply with this chapter (property presumed abandoned) is misdemeanor
Prop Code § 76.704 Failure to comply with this chapter results in fine of $500 to $1000 or 6 months in jail or both and civil penalty of up to $100 per day
 Prop. Code §§ 80.001 to 80.008 Property held for 15+ years vests in museum after 30 days mailed notice or 2 weeks published notice and 65 days; Indefinite or 7+ year long loans may be terminated and claimed by museum after notice and 65 daysOcc. Code §§ 2155.051 to 2155.053 Innkeeper holds property delivered into custody as gratuitous bailee; not liable for property not delivered into its custody for greater than $50 unless innkeeper negligentProp. Code § 54.044 If tenant abandons personal property landlord may disposeTransp. Code § 22.901 Aircraft abandoned after 90 days, notice given, hearing to determine ownership, and 60 days
Prop. Code § 75.101 Minerals proceeds held for 3+ years presumed abandoned
Transp. Code § 6.001 Common carrier may sell after 3 months
No
(Prop. Code §§ 72.001 to 76.704 are similar)
UTAH
§ 76-6-407 Felony or misdemeanor theft if takes lost, mislaid, or misdelivered property and not taking reasonable measures to restore it to owner § 76-6-407 Felony or misdemeanor theft if takes lost, mislaid, or misdelivered property and not taking reasonable measures to restore it to owner§ 9-8-805 Property vests in collecting institution after 90 days mailed notice and 2 weeks published notice§ 29-1-1 Innkeeper not liable for lost property unless the guest has delivered it to innkeeper for custody§ 78-36-12.6 May be sold or donated to charity if after 30 days tenant does not claim and notice given Yes
§§ 67-4a-101 to 67-4a-902
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
VERMONT
27 VSA § 1102 Destroying notices of lost property results in $7 fine unless property has already been claimed27 VSA §§ 1101 to 1108 $3 or more must post 2 notices in town within 6 days; if $10 or more must also publish notice for 3 weeks; if owner does not claim within 20 days of notice copy of notice recorded by town clerk; after 90 days property sold, proceeds to town 9 VSA § 3141 Innkeeper not liable for lost property unless guest has delivered it to innkeeper for custody or negligence by the innkeeper9 VSA § 4462 Property vests in landlord after 60 days notice following abandonment27 VSA § 1226 Held by state or police. Held for 1 year then sold after notice given
27 VSA § 1209 Held by bank. Abandoned after notice and 3 years
27 VSA § 1213 Stock or dividends. Abandoned after 3 years
27 VSA § 1210 Life insurance. Abandoned after 3 years
No
(27 VSA §§ 1208 to 1239 are similar)
VIRGINIA
  § 55-210.37 Undocumented property held for 5+ years vests in the museum after 2 weeks published notice and 65 days and a second 2 week published notice§ 35.1-28 Innkeeper not liable for lost property not delivered to innkeeper for custody if notice posted§ 55 248.38:1 May be disposed of by landlord after 7 days notice§ 23-4.2 Held by educational institution. Held for 120 days then may be sold
§ 52-11.4 Held by police. Sold after 60 days and notice
Yes
§§ 55-201.1 to 55-210.30
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
WASHINGTON
§ 9A.56.020 Felony or misdemeanor theft if takes lost, mislaid, or misdelivered property with intent to deprive owner of such property or services§§ 63.21.010 to 63.21.080 Finder must get appraisal from qualified person or judge within 7 days; must publish notice for 2 weeks within 30 days; if value is $25+ then police holds, if less than $25 finder holds for 60 days; vests in finder after 60 days and paying $10 to treasurer plus cost of publication§§ 63.26.010 to 63.26.050 Terminated loans or unclaimed for 5+ years vests in museum after mailed or 2 weeks published notice given and 90 days  § 63.32.010 Held by police. Sold after 60 days and notice
§ 63.52.010 Dies, molds, forms. Molder may destroy or dispose after 3 years and 120 days notice
§ 63.24.160 Held by bailee. After notice given and 60 days bailee may donate to charity if less than $100 or if $100+ then give to police
Yes
§§ 63.29.010 to 63.29.906
WEST VIRGINIA
   § 16-6-22 Innkeeper not liable for lost property not delivered into their custody so long as notice posted§ 37-6-6 Landlord may dispose of property after 30 days notice given or if value $300+ after storing for an additional 30 days Yes
§§ 36-8-1 to 36-8-32
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
WISCONSIN
 §§ 170.07 to 170.11 If value is $25 to $100 then must give notice to police of city where found within 5 days; city will post notice in 2 places; if $100+ must give notice to police within 15 days and appraise within 2 months; vests in finder after 90 days. Failure to give notice of finding goods of $3+ results in liability for full value of goods½ to city, ½ to owner§§ 171.32 to 171.33 Expired or 7+ yr old loan requires 60 days notice and published notice before acquisition Undocumented property vests in museum after 7+ years if no contact from owner and no way of contacting § 704.05 Landlord may store property and give notice within 10 days of accruing charges or give notice of intent to dispose of property after 30 days, then may sell and retain proceeds if unclaimed within 60 days or store for tenant free of charge§ 171.06 Held by police. Sold after 60 days notice § 171.08 Excess disaster relief money if $25+ given to charity after 6 months and notice given § 170.105 Property found by official, employee, or state agent held for 90 days then to state if unclaimedYes§§ 177.01 to 177.41
Finder ResponsibilitiesAbandonedTenant PropertyMiscellaneousUniform Unclaimed Property Act.
Criminal PenaltiesCash/ValuablesMuseum PropertyHotel Property
WYOMING
  §§ 34-23-102 to 34-23-108 Loans greater than 90 days and not subject to loan agreement requires museum to give notice by mail or publication of intent to acquire. Lender response to notice renews loan for 10 years. Property vests in museum if no response to notice. Terminated loans must be claimed within 1 year of date of notice § 1-21-1210 Abandoned 7 days after service of notice and may be retained or disposed of by landlord Yes
§§ 34-24-101 to 34-24-140