We moved into a new apartment and the Non-Jewish Landlord gave us a mezuzah and a few pamphlets which were left from the previous tenant. Unfortunately we don’t know the previous tenant and believe he left the area – are we permitted to keep the items? and in such a situation where the tenant would have been able to come back to the flat or agent can one assume he gave-up?
Thank you
Answer:
If the items have value (the mezuzah certainly does), you should inquire as to the identity of the previous tenant, and contact him.
Because most people would not intentionally leave behind articles of value, it appears that the mezuzah was forgotten, and the mitzvah of returning lost property to its owner should be fulfilled.
Best wishes.
