{"id":368977,"date":"2019-10-21T13:54:44","date_gmt":"2019-10-21T18:54:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/what-to-do-when-someone-refuses-to-return-borrowed-property.html"},"modified":"2026-01-12T11:37:41","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T16:37:41","slug":"what-to-do-when-someone-refuses-to-return-borrowed-property","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/what-to-do-when-someone-refuses-to-return-borrowed-property.html","title":{"rendered":"What To Do When Someone Refuses To Return Borrowed Property"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">What To Do When Someone Refuses To Return Borrowed Property<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/balrina-ahluwalia-esq\/\">Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/laura-temme-esq\/\">Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            January 12, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <ul>\n<li>When someone refuses to return borrowed property, filing a <span data-term-id=\"55742027\">police report<\/span> is typically not an option.<\/li>\n<li>Instead, you can send a formal <span data-term-id=\"55742033\">demand letter<\/span> requesting its return or file a <span data-term-id=\"55742047\">civil lawsuit<\/span> in <span data-term-id=\"55742022\">small claims court<\/span> to recover the item or its value.<\/li>\n<li>Common legal claims include conversion (wrongful possession) and <span data-term-id=\"55742020\">replevin<\/span> (<span data-term-id=\"55742019\">court order<\/span> to return the item).<\/li>\n<li>If the property&#8217;s value is high or the case is complex, you may want to consult an attorney.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div><p>Someone failing to return <span data-term-id=\"55742024\">other people<\/span>\u2019s stuff happens far too often. Maybe a neighbor still has the weed wacker they borrowed, or your (former) friend won\u2019t return the jewelry you lent them for a special occasion. Regardless of the circumstances, you should be able to take steps to recover your\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"55742018\">personal property<\/span>,\u00a0or at least receive\u00a0compensation for it.<\/p>\n<p>In this article, we review your options and provide you with related <span data-term-id=\"55742034\">legal information<\/span> to help you get started. We\u2019ll also give you an idea of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/what-is-the-difference-between-a-legal-and-equitable-claim.html\">legal claims<\/a> and remedies that may be available to you.<\/p>\n<p>In some situations, consulting a civil litigation lawyer might be the best option. That doesn\u2019t have to mean a lawsuit, as a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">skilled litigation attorney<\/a> can help you draft a compelling <span data-term-id=\"55742033\">demand letter<\/span>. They can also prepare you for <span data-term-id=\"55742022\">small claims court<\/span>, if that\u2019s the route that makes the most sense for you.<\/p>\n<p>In the meantime, let\u2019s start with the basics.<\/p>\n<h2>What Are My Options?<\/h2>\n<p>When someone won\u2019t return something they borrowed, you have two main legal options. You can send them a formal <span data-term-id=\"55742033\">demand letter<\/span> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/can-i-sue-.html\">file a <span data-term-id=\"55742047\">civil lawsuit<\/span><\/a> in <span data-term-id=\"55742022\">small claims court<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Most people start with a <span data-term-id=\"55742033\">demand letter<\/span>, which demonstrates a good-faith effort to resolve the issue before going to court. Well-written <span data-term-id=\"55742033\">demand letters<\/span> can be particularly effective because they show the other party that you\u2019re serious and may take <span data-term-id=\"55742023\">legal action<\/span> if the matter remains unresolved.<\/p>\n<h2>What Legal Claims Do I Have for Unreturned Property?<\/h2>\n<p>Depending on the circumstances and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state.html\">laws in your state<\/a>, there are a few causes of action you might consider. The most common ones are conversion and <span data-term-id=\"55742020\">replevin<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h3>Conversion<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/conversion.html\">Conversion<\/a> means someone is wrongfully holding or using your property after you have asked for it back. Instead of returning the item, they\u2019re treating it belongs to them. In such cases, you can sue for the <span data-term-id=\"55742025\">value of the property<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"55742020\">Replevin<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"55742020\">Replevin<\/span> is an action to recover the actual property itself, as opposed to money damages. The court can order the person to return the item directly to you.<\/p>\n<p>Courts often allow you to plead conversion and <span data-term-id=\"55742045\">replevin<\/span><span data-term-id=\"55742045\"> actions<\/span> together, then award the more beneficial action. You might have a claim for these less common actions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Unjust enrichment:<\/strong> Borrower unfairly benefited from using your property without permission and should compensate you<\/li>\n<li><strong>Detinue\/wrongful detention<\/strong>: An older legal claim (available in very few jurisdictions, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacodefull\/title8.01\/chapter3\/article12\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Virginia<\/a>) for someone holding on to your property after you demand it back<\/li>\n<li><strong>Civil theft<\/strong>: Statutory claim allowed in some jurisdictions if someone refuses to return property after demand<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re starting with a <span data-term-id=\"55742033\">demand letter<\/span> or going straight to a <span data-term-id=\"55742047\">civil lawsuit<\/span>, it\u2019s important to understand these actions. They will form the basis for your demands and claims.<\/p>\n<h2>Should I File a Report With the <span data-term-id=\"55742032\">Police Department<\/span>?<\/h2>\n<p>Since most property cases are civil matters, rather than criminal ones, involving the police may not be beneficial. If the item in question was stolen instead of borrowed, it\u2019s a good idea to involve\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"55742036\">law enforcement<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Lending property often makes disputes civil. As such, filing a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/obtaining-and-using-a-police-report.html\"><span data-term-id=\"55742027\">police report<\/span><\/a> is not necessary, and <span data-term-id=\"55742036\">law enforcement<\/span> doesn&#8217;t need to be part of the solution.<\/p>\n<p>However, if the person who borrowed your property later refuses to return it and clearly intends to keep it, some jurisdictions may consider that\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/conversion.html\">theft by conversion<\/a>. This criminal offense occurs when someone lawfully receives property but then refuses to return it or uses it for their own benefit. At that point, the law treats the item as <span data-term-id=\"55742048\">stolen property<\/span>, and the person could be charged. At that point, filing a <span data-term-id=\"55742027\">police report<\/span> can trigger prosecution.<\/p>\n<p>If you just want the <span data-term-id=\"55742029\">return of your property<\/span> or fair compensation for it, there are better options than calling the cops. Let\u2019s take a closer look at how you might make that happen.<\/p>\n<h2>Send a <span data-term-id=\"55742033\">Demand Letter<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/how-to-demand-payment-in-a-letter.html\">Sending a <span data-term-id=\"55742033\">demand letter<\/span><\/a> can be an effective way to pursue a resolution before resorting to court. This formal written communication should summarize your claims and the relief you\u2019re seeking.<\/p>\n<p>In your letter, maintain a professional tone and refrain from threats beyond lawful consequences. Courts sometimes frown on overly aggressive language.<\/p>\n<p>Key elements of a strong <span data-term-id=\"55742033\">demand letter<\/span> include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Description of the property and how the recipient came to possess it<\/li>\n<li>Timeline of events, including when the property was supposed to be returned<\/li>\n<li>Direct demand for the <span data-term-id=\"55742051\">return of the property<\/span> or payment equal to its fair market value<\/li>\n<li>Consequences of ignoring the letter, such as a lawsuit for conversion or <span data-term-id=\"55742020\">replevin<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Legal basis for your claim (an attorney can help you with this, if needed)<\/li>\n<li>Clear deadline for response or <span data-term-id=\"55742051\">return of the property<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Send the letter by certified mail or another method that provides proof of delivery. Any documentary evidence that supports your claims or demands should also be included.<\/p>\n<p>If the person still refuses to return the property, then consider filing a civil suit in <span data-term-id=\"55742022\">small claims court<\/span>. If you do, you can use the letter as evidence of your good-faith effort to resolve the issue without <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation.html\">litigation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span data-term-id=\"55742022\">Small Claims Court<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If the borrower still refuses to return the property, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/how-do-i-file-a-small-claims-court-lawsuit.html\"><span data-term-id=\"55742022\">small claims court<\/span><\/a> is often the next logical step. <span data-term-id=\"55742022\">Small claims courts<\/span> issue orders for money damages and return of property in some states.<\/p>\n<p>This simplified legal forum is for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/small-claims-cases.html\">everyday disputes <\/a>valued below a set dollar limit. This limit varies by state, but often ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. The <span data-term-id=\"55742030\">filing fees<\/span> for <span data-term-id=\"55742022\">small claims court<\/span> are often lower than those of regular courts.<\/p>\n<h3>How To Recover Property in Small Claims Court<\/h3>\n<p>While <span data-term-id=\"55742022\">small claims court<\/span> is designed to be accessible without an attorney, you may still want to consult one before moving forward. They can advise you on strategy, claims, and evidence to strengthen your chances of success.<\/p>\n<p>Get the process started by following these steps:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Confirm your case qualifies by checking the court\u2019s dollar limit<\/li>\n<li>Gather evidence, such as receipts, communications, photos, loan agreements, or copies of <span data-term-id=\"55742033\">demand letters<\/span> showing you asked for the <span data-term-id=\"55742017\">property back<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Fill out the required small claims forms, usually called a complaint or claim, stating what happened and what you want (<span data-term-id=\"55742051\">return of the property<\/span> or money equal to its value)<\/li>\n<li>Pay the <span data-term-id=\"55742030\">filing fee<\/span>, which varies by court, and submit your paperwork to the clerk<\/li>\n<li>Arrange for proper service of the lawsuit papers on the borrower, often through certified mail or a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/law-and-life\/dont-bother-avoiding-process-servers\/\">process server<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Organize your evidence and practice explaining your case clearly and calmly<\/li>\n<li>Attend the hearing, present your evidence, and answer the judge\u2019s questions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Possible Remedies in Small Claims Court<\/h3>\n<p>If the judge rules in your favor, you may receive a judgment ordering repayment or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/replevin.html\"><span data-term-id=\"55742051\">return of the property<\/span><\/a>. Keep in mind that a judgment is just a <span data-term-id=\"55742019\">court order<\/span>. You may still need to take additional enforcement steps if the borrower doesn&#8217;t voluntarily comply, such as wage garnishment or placing liens on their property.<\/p>\n<p>Many states <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ca\/code-of-civil-procedure\/ccp-sect-116-220\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">limit small claims to money damages<\/a>. If you want your <span data-term-id=\"55742017\">property back<\/span> and are in one of these jurisdictions, you may need to seek a <span data-term-id=\"55742019\">court order<\/span> in a regular courtroom.<\/p>\n<h2>When To Seek <span data-term-id=\"55742021\">Legal Advice<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A <span data-term-id=\"55742033\">demand letter<\/span> will often do the trick if <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legal\/practice\/practice-guide\/ten-tips-for-writing-an-effective-demand-letter.html\">strong legal arguments<\/a> are included. If it doesn\u2019t, <span data-term-id=\"55742022\">small claims court<\/span> may be a good fit for disputes below the limit. There are times when the best option involves considering a regular court with the aid of an attorney. These could include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The <span data-term-id=\"55742042\">value of your property<\/span> exceeds the small claims limit<\/li>\n<li>You have a civil theft claim for treble (triple) damages<\/li>\n<li>You want the actual item back, not just money<\/li>\n<li>Multiple items or parties are involved<\/li>\n<li>You want attorney\u2019s fees\/<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/what-are-punitive-damages.html\">punitive damages<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Borrower raises complex defenses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If the borrower claims ownership, disputes the loan, or alleges fraud, the case may be too complicated for small claims. A consultation with a litigation attorney can help you sort through your options if you\u2019re not sure. They can also be invaluable if your case is anything but straightforward.<\/p>\n<h2>Finding an Attorney<\/h2>\n<p>Even if you know you want to speak with an advisor to answer your <span data-term-id=\"55742043\">legal questions<\/span>, you may not know quite where to start. This is a common problem.<\/p>\n<p>FindLaw\u2019s directory of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">qualified litigation and appeals attorneys<\/a> can be a valuable resource at this stage. You can review ratings and background information for area experts by clicking on your location.<\/p>\n<p>Take some time to review their credentials and the types of <span data-term-id=\"55742035\">legal services<\/span> they offer. Their listing should also indicate whether they offer free consultations. Learn more about the remedies available to you, enabling you to make informed decisions about getting your stuff back.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" 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                 for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Getting your things back from someone you lent them to can be difficult. FindLaw explains the legal options available and more. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":368853,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":["External Links","Alt Text for All Images","Category Assigned"]},"categories":[2803],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-368977","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-litigation"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/368977","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=368977"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/368977\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":401835,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/368977\/revisions\/401835"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/368853"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=368977"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=368977"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=368977"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=368977"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=368977"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}