Short Term Renter from overseas leaves behind items

Question:

If I rent an apartment short term on a regular basis and after a renter leaves, we discover forgotten items (usually low cost items). Are we required to track the owner down and return the item(s)? At whose cost?
Can we place a clause in the instructions that any items left behind and not claimed within a week will be considered hefker / ownerless?

1. If I rent an apartment short term on a regular basis and after a renter leaves, we discover forgotten items (usually low-cost items). Are we required to track the owner down and return the item(s)? At whose cost?
2. Can we place a clause in the instructions that any items left behind and not claimed within a week will be considered hefker /ownerless?

Answer:

Hello,

1. Things that are cheap, and we can assume that the owner does not want it back, do not have to be returned, as we can regard them as hefker. However, if it is something that the owner might indeed want back, then you should try to return it to him, if possible. Whatever is done to return the item, is at the owner’s expense.
2. This is a great idea. Going forward you should put up a sign that any items left for a week after leaving the apartment are considered hefker.

Best wishes