When an American dies here... question

[rob0001]

A friend of mine asked me to dispose of all there stuff when they die...that's fine but I thought there was a problem with that.
I was told by some Argentines that the police guard a persons apartment after they die and don't let people into it. Is that true?
If that really happens then do I need some legal document to do this? Or maybe I just need to do it fast. I know it would have to happen before the rent came due again.
Any insight into this process would be helpful.
And yes, I fo have a set of keys.

 

[nikad]

I was somewhat involved in a similar situation last year. When a person dies in a rented apartment and is alone, whomever notices the situation has to call the police and SAME ( medical emergency ). Usually an autopsy is in order. The police will notify the embassy and contact the next of kin of the deceased. Nobody can enter the unit ( not even the landlord ) and vacate it: it is either the next of kin or a designated person by will or power of attorney. The next of kin will always be notified first and has to ok.

 

[nikad]

If the person dies in a medical facility, police is not involved and they will contact the embassy to locate family or relatives. Legally the rental contract ends if the tenant passes. The landlord can change the lock and make an inventory. If next of kin cannot be located and there is no designated person to vacate the unit, a judicial process will begin in order to vacate the unit.

 

[nikad]

Bottom line: get a power of attorney, it is not expensive ( about 150 dollars )

 

[Silvie]

Bottom line: get a power of attorney, it is not expensive ( about 150 dollars )

The power of attorney may be used only while the person is alive.

 

[nikad]

The power of attorney may be used only while the person is alive.

an escribano can draft the document in a way that it will be taken into account by a judge in these kind of situations, it can be a poa, hand written letter with certified signatures, etc. As long as registered good as not involved. Still because of Arg law, the next of kin will always be contacted first and given priority.

 

[rob0001]

Thank you so much!