Question and Answer: Foreclosure Stripping

Q: Hi Anthony: Recently my neighbors’ house was foreclosed on, and we got into a debate when they said they were going to strip the house of the light fixtures, ceiling fans and appliances. I told them that this was illegal, but they disagreed. What can owners take from a foreclosed home?

Mary L. in Chandler, AZ

A: Mary,
Your neighbors could face prosecution if they decide to strip their home. Not only is it considered a felony in Arizona, but it morally wrong. The following is a list of items that must stay in the foreclosed home:

• Appliances such as built in microwave, dishwasher etc.
• Cabinets and counter tops
• Furnaces and air conditioning units
• Plumbing and copper pipes
• Electrical wiring
• Light fixtures and ceiling fans
• Doors and hardware
• Flooring such as tile and carpet
• Windows and vents
• Medicine cabinets, sinks, tubs, toilets and showers
• Sink drains and faucets
• Landscaping, fencing, built-in pools and spas
• Built-in shelving / bookcases

Here are some other things you legally cannot do:

• Smash windows
• Spray paint walls or windows
• Turn on all the water faucets and plug up the drains

However, there are certain items a home owner can legally remove:

• All personal items brought into the home by the owner such as furniture, clothing and common household items such as dishes, pans and silverware
• Mirrors
• Personal artwork and photographs from walls
• Stationary lamps
• Pets and pet-related items such as dog houses or aquariums
• Drapes or curtains
• Refrigerators, televisions, computers and stereo equipment
• Area rugs
• Indoor plants
• Portable fans and heaters

I would strongly suggest that you talk to your neighbors and persuade them to reconsider rather than face the potential of serious consequences.

Do you have a real estate question?  Send me an email at: aboydston@redbrickrealty.net