Riverside woman gets eviction notice over toy collection

73-year-old woman receives eviction notice after surprise inspection

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville woman told News4Jax she was evicted because of her extensive toy collection. Now she has to find a new place to live that will accept her hobby.

After a surprise inspection last week, 73-year-old Nancy Duchovnay was given an eviction notice by the landlord, noting her toy collection is a fire hazard.

Duchovnay lived in her Riverside apartment with her collectibles for 12 years. She said, "They just want me out, and that was an excuse."

Initially, she was told that she only had days to find a new place to live and doesn't understand why all of a sudden her hobby has become an issue. Duchovnay said that her lease agreement contains a clause that says the landlord has to give her a 45-day notice after the next rent deadline, so she has until July 31 before she can be evicted. She is considering her options.

PHOTOS: Riverside woman evicted over toy collection

"I'm devastated. No, I don't want to leave. I love this (place). I don't bother anybody," Duchovnay said. "I don't smoke, I don't cook and I don't have an animal that can knock over a lamp."

Duchovnay’s collection has spread from the bedroom to the kitchen. Even the bathroom is not off-limits.

From Muppets to dinosaurs, everything is organized.

"Changing the sheets is a major process. I have to take everybody off," Duchovnay said. "Considering what's going on in the world today, I would rather have these funny characters smiling at me.”

Duchovnay said the toys are not only for her. She said she also collects them for gift boxes that she sends to charities across the globe.

News4Jax attempted to contact the property manager but has not received a response.

"Wherever I'm moving to, they're coming with me," Duchovnay said.