Sometimes she blows my mind with her ideas. She could care less about rentals or flips. However, sometimes she'll throw things out there that really make great sense for a landlord or investor.

We were just talking about the set out lady from last week and I was telling her how I doubt she's going to come back for her stuff because I'm making her schedule with a constable to oversee the move out and there is evidence of paraphernalia in the house.

My brother is a recovering heroin addict (8 years sober) and I was talking about it yesterday with him as well. He doubts she's going to come back either due to the presence of an authority that I am requiring of her at the property and the drug stuff.

This morning my wife says, "just offer her $100 to dispose of her stuff for her".

Perfect.

We talked about how if she is in full swing addiction, $100 or even a little more would probably be enticing to her to sign off on her possessions so I can start tossing.

That would be cheaper and a time saver in the long run.

I'd offer $99.

I'd word it just like I do my regular move out sheet (I try to always get them to sign something saying they are returning possession of the unit to me and there is nothing left or it's mine to keep or dispose of). I do this in good and bad situations.

Nicole, my constable would charge a rate the same as if he was working security at an event. I'm sure yours would too, or possibly another one. Security for hire.

I would meet her at a library or another public place and just ask her to sign it away before offering any money, in 25 dollar lumps, I would walk away at 100.

This won't help for THIS TIME but I remember reading a post from someone a few years ago (I think it was here) that would prevent this issue from happening.

At lease signing, he has the nee tenant sign a bill-of-sale for "anything left behind following thr tenancy that the LL chooses to keep" it says that he paid them $1 for this right. Then he actually gives them $1 and gets a receipt for the $1.

Now when the tenant leaves a bunch of stuff, he can just go in and throw it all out (or keep anything that is actually of value -- he could even SELL SOME OF IT BACK TO THE TENANT).

Dough to throw - good one! A new catch phrase : )

Sounds like a winner to me - as long as it holds up in court, if they should claim they were under duress or something when you "forced" them to sign it.

I wonder if I could borrow that on Monday for an eviction. Sheriff says I have to have 2 "movers" besides myself and put everything out before the locks are changed and they leave. Plus I have to "store" everything for an undetermined amount of time (and not on the curb). Cash for trash might be cheaper than having 2 helpers at the ready and all the hassle of sticking the tenants 'valuable possessions' somewhere LOL.

Your lease should state "anything left behind is your right to what is deemed fit"... Ex: throw away, Goodwill, donate to the homeless

Know your state law and work with your sheriffs/constables.. otherwise, you will get sued and lose big time.

I had to pay my constable 6 hours worth of time and the moving company $2K at my first full blown eviction. The moving company packaged whatever the did and quite a bit junk left behind (many mattresses etc) that we tossed out. If the tenant decides to sue, the constable's insurance will cover in this case.

If it is just one month, I would look for other things to do, rather than itching to work on it. Even if she signs her treasure away, if it is found out that she was not in the mental capacity of signing at that moment, what would judge rule?

Couple years ago, I had a deadbeat who left a lot junk behind, appeared to be abandoned for days, including a deceased son's wheelchair behind a pile of junk clothes in the bathroom (We sent flowers when the boy passed away).. It doesn't matter.. We took possession and they tried to sue for sentimental value $20K.

Dough to Throw.....

A set of eyes that doesn't see day to day operations routinely can make all the difference.

Cash for trash is a good idea if the tenant is out but they left a bunch behind.

In most of my evictions the tenant gets free legal aid and a move out date with no eviction on their record and a neutral reference is the negotiated settlement. While they are required to remove all their stuff and clean the unit I still add a clause that anything they don’t remove is to be considered trash and not personal belongings.