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I loaned a laptop to my boyfriend for a month (no official contract, just text messages), he won't return it to me by mail.
Anonymous2 views4 answers
I loaned a laptop to my boyfriend for a month (no official contract, just text messages), so he could use it for his online classes. We broke up and I asked to return my things in person and then by mail. He refuses to mail it back, saying he won't pay for shipping and I don't want to see him in person anymore. He insists on meeting face to face or letting him into my building lobby. I view this situation as a bailment, where he's a bailee who's duty is to return my property according to my instructions. Am I right to insist on him paying to ship it back? It doesn't cost more than $20. I mailed his things back by certified mail as well as a notarized demand letter. He asked me what address I mailed it to, I gave him the address and he said "lol. It's not my address." I know that is a lie.
Stop trying to use legal terms like Bailee and bailment. He's not refusing to give it back to you, just to mail it to you. There is nothing that says he must return it through mail. Either pick it up, have someone else, or pay for shipping yourself. This is an issue that doesn't need lawyers. If you feel unsafe going, ask the police to escort you there.
Breaking up is tough and none of us know the circumstances. However you are dragging out your needed contact over 20 dollar shipping. Make arrangements to either meet in public to get your property, have a third party pick it up or to pay the shipping yourself. Think of the relief when it is all done and you don't need to keep going back and forth.
Not all legal problems require hiring a lawyer. Consider contacting the police. A call from the police may very we'll persuade him to return the laptop immediately. Tell him any face to face will be in the presence of the police.
