I've gone to court. Tenant did not show. I filled out the proper paper work for a Warrant of Removal, and paid my fee to the state. The Warrant was issued on Monday. Not sure if it has been posted yet. I'm waiting to hear back from the court officer to schedule a date for the Lock Out.

Besides having a new set of locks ready and a camera to take pictures of the place, any other suggestions on what I would need for the Lock Out based on anyone's past experiences?

Thanks

A team of 2-4 people ready to help you move their crap. The local Sheriff guy that does this usually tells people that he expects to be there no more than 30-45 minutes. You want all of their crap OUT and the locks changed before he leaves. Therefore, if you don't know that it is empty -- you want to have enough people ready to garbage bag and MOVE stuff out.

Our Sheriff guy just stands outside and has a smoke or two while he waits. :)

Bring lots of garbage bags to bag stuff (even if it isn't garbage).

- John...

Andrew - did lock out twice & two totally different experiences.

If they leave "stuff" furniture - anything other then debris you might have to store for 30 days ( NJ law ) ... ask Constable or who's doing lock out if any of the property he deems of value - cause you don't want them coming back saying they left a Ming vase PHOTOS - PHOTOS - PHOTOS- I stored in locked garage on property a TV some china and box of clothes for 31 days - then had charity come to pick up and got a reciept for it.

Also if it looks like nothing is gone and there is a chance that someone is coming back - board any accessable windows at least until you get it clean out. Had person smash basement window to get in -

I would also once place is cleaned out & have all items out or you have items out post sign ( make on your comp ) all contents have been removed - unauthorized entry not allowed no tresspassing etc. violates will be charge -

The day of the lock change ...

1st experience the ulities where turned off non payment was summer was ok - but I did not know ...

now I periodical check on all my rentals

2nd experience the women was in total denial - she was forcably removed so I had utilites changed the day of lock out.

I use a portable "Lasershield" monitored alarm system with a cell phone transmitter that I put in vacant properties. You do need power on for it.

Andrew, as Nancy said, it is VERY different state to state and county to county.

In MI, John hires people to take all the stuff to the curb, and he is not responsible for storage or protection.

In TX, I think it is the same.

In CA and NV, I need to store all the stuff. It seems as if in NJ, you need to store as well. Check your local law, and by this, I mean your own COUNTY.

Indeed -- very state or even locality specific. (Actually, in Michigan, the law is poorly defined. In our local area, we actually DO have to protect/store items of value -- but they still have to just be set-out first. It's a weird thing where the Sheriff deputy stands there until you get everything outside and you change the locks. Then, later, you may need to go through it again and find the valuable stuff to store so that the tenant doesn't sue you for just setting them outside! heh.)

Luckily (I guess?), our tenants haven't had anything of real value left behind yet...

- John...