The Ethical Dilemma of Finding and Handling Previous Owners' Personal Documents

If you buy a house and find personal documents left behind by the previous owners, would you mail them back? This ethical quandary has no simple answer, but it's essential to consider the impact of your actions on the former owners and the responsibility you hold as a new homeowner.

A Personal Experience

Recently, this situation occurred to us. When purchasing a home belonging to an owner who had been admitted to a retirement community due to Alzheimer's disease, we inherited her entire estate, including many personal items. However, we also helped bring these items to her nearby retirement home.

Evaluating the Importance of the Documents

The decision to return or keep personal documents found with a property is multifaceted and depends on the nature of the documents in question. For instances such as tax returns or military service records, it is often advisable to attempt to get these to the former owners. It demonstrates respect for their privacy and values.

For other items, such as the record albums mentioned in our case, they were left behind deliberately by the previous owners. In these instances, it would be reasonable to assume the previous owners no longer desired these items and had no intention of reclaiming them. The albums were in plain sight on the floor of the house we purchased, indicating they were left for us to find.

Proper Handling of Found Documents

From an ethical standpoint, it is important to handle such situations with care. If you reasonably believe the documents are important and not easily replaceable, it is prudent to make an effort through your realtor to return them to the previous owners. Therefore, send a message to their agent, explaining the situation and providing a deadline for them to retrieve their documents. If no response is received within the specified time, state that the documents will be destroyed.

Writing to the previous owners (if you have their contact information) is also a viable option. Clearly state your intention to return the documents and provide a deadline for them to claim their belongings. After this period, you can destroy the documents if they haven't been retrieved.

The Importance of Respect and Consideration

Respect for the privacy and wishes of the previous owners is paramount. Striking the right balance between respect and practicality can be challenging, but it is crucial to ensure that you are not causing unnecessary distress or burden to the former homeowners.

Remember to communicate clearly and professionally in all your interactions, whether through your realtor or directly with the previous owners. Your actions can have a significant impact on the feelings and experiences of the former owners and their loved ones, so treat the matter with the gravity it deserves.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to return or destroy such documents, the key is to act with integrity and respect. By doing so, you honor the values and wishes of the previous homeowners, demonstrating ethical responsibility and consideration for all parties involved.