Hi Rabbi Simon
I need to sell my chametz over to you, but I have a few questions just to make sure I am properly doing it.
I live in a flat share and I have chametz in cupboards, fridge, freezer and some whisky in a separate cupboard and some bottles in my bedroom.
- I will be leaving for Pesach with the family on 9 Nissan and not be back till after Pesach
- Am I only responsible for my own chametz or also that of my flatmate? (Do I need to sell his chametz too or is he responsible?)
- Can I sell the chametz contents of the apartment as I am not in the property over pesach and if so, how would I ‘cordon off’ the chametz properly? I don’t own the property, I rent a room plus share living area and dining room spaces.
- Can I sell my rented portion of the property? Would that be acceptable on the form, or do I need to detail the contents?
Thank you for your help.
Larry
Hi Larry
Thank you for your multi-part question.
You are not responsible for your flatmate’s chametz, however if he gives you permission, you can choose to jointly designate me as your agent to sell your (plural) chametz in advance of the chag. Or he can sell his own chametz separately. Since the shared spaces of your rental property will be accessed during Pesach, it is best to sell only the chametz itself. To do this, localise the chametz for sale in a cabinet or two, tape/seal/designate those spaces as off-limits during Pesach, and specify them on the Sale of Chametz form. If you want, you may designate your entire bedroom in this way. You do not need to provide a comprehensive inventory of chametz on the form. Some representative items (eg spirits, pasta, breakfast cereal) is sufficient.
Since you will be away on the night of bedikat chametz (Sunday 21 April, evening of 14 Nissan), you should carry out the search for chametz the night before you leave, but without reciting the berakhah [blessing].
I hope this is helpful. Have a kosher and joyous Pesach!
Rabbi Rashi Simon