Just in case there are any inquiring minds that want to know.....

I wrote up a document titled " Agreement to vacate and abandon personal property" that says:

AGREEMENT TO VACATE AND ABANDON PERSONAL PROPERTY

This agreement is regarding the property at XXX So-and-so St. Hampton VA 23669.

I, ________________________ the current occupant of XXX So-and-so St. do fully understand that the property is being sold. I agree that I will be leaving the property no later than Wednesday 11/16/22, and will not have any right to be in possession of the property - the house or yard - at any time after that.

I will be taking with me all personal property that has any value to me. I hereby affirm that ANY ITEMS LEFT IN THE HOUSE OR YARD AS OF THURSDAY 11/17/22 HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO VALUE TO ME, AND THE OWNER MAY DISPOSE OF THEM IN ANY WAY THEY WANT.

Signed,

Printed Name: __________________________________

Signature: _____________________________________

Date: ____________

I took it over yesterday afternoon, along with some cash in my pocket (just in case).

He was busy, with a friend, sorting & putting stuff to the street.

I began with sympathizing with him for the short notice, showing that I care by confirming he does have a place to go, and saying I want to help him.

Then I told him that, since I understand he doesn't really have enough time to clear everything - he doesn't need to worry about paying someone to haul it off. I will take care of it for him.

He was very happy with that offer, assured me everything will be out of the house & understands I'l be changing locks on Thursday. I explained how "some folks" (not him!) have not cooperated in the past, so as a professional rental manager, we have this form for him to sign that will reassure us that he won't come back saying we threw away his grandma's $10k ring. We both laughed, and he willingly signed the form. He was a little concerned about whether he could get a Sea-do or something else in the yard, in time. So, I assured him by verbal promise and a handshake that nothing will really be trashed before Monday (No way the clean-out crew would be there any sooner, anyway. I'll take a couple days to finalize my renovation plan, & get some workers in for prices.).

There was no need to give cash, & he even called me over to show me something with the electrical supply & let me look in the back yard (dogs were out there before).

So, everything was settled in a friendly, respectful manner.

Yes, I do believe he will really be out. He's going to his brother's house nearby.

The reason I have gone into such detail is that there may be some newer landlords reading who are trying to figure out how to deal with residents on "sticky" matters.

While some here usually say "hammer them hard & show them who is the boss", the approach above has worked well for me on several occasions. That is, being respectful and sympathetic and trying to get us both on the same side working out a solution to the problem. (rather than the problem separating us)

Yes, it's a matter of perception. I still am in control of the ultimate outcome, all the way through court if needed - If they don't go for the amiable approach. But, I have found many times that we can avoid that by using some respectful "come, let us reason together" conversation.

Closing tomorrow at 11:00.

All the best to y'all!

I like your style, DJ!

It's very similar to the way I deal with things. (And now I can borrow the form you created if need be!)

Good job DJ, I like your style of doing things.

Sounds good.

The only thing I can think of right now is that you might put some time frames in your agreement.

Like - I will be out by 3:00 PM on 11-17-2022

Everything left after 1600 hrs 11-16-2022 has no value to me and may be disposed of by landlord

Thank you for sharing that DJ.

Thanks for the update DJ!

Glad it all worked out. Due to your kindness, the tenant was able to keep his dignity and be cooperative. I agree with this style of management and it has worked well for me through the years.

Well done DJ!! Kudos to you!

Like I say, LLing is a PEOPLE business. Gotta learn to work with people.

Favorite book: How To Win Friends and Influence People.

I learned early on that when you hammer they MUST hammer back. When you back a dog into a corner even a nice dog will bite.

Hoarders are a special breed. Strong arming does absolutely nothing other than force them to dig in. They need to be handled gently but firmly - give them time but a firm deadline.

Again, good on ya!

Just wondering since sometimes a lawyer might argue that an agreement is not enforceable unless there is clear consideration received by both sides.

So what if the language of agreement substituted that the total value of any items left was less than $100 (or maybe $50) and that tenant receives a check in the amount of $100 as full and fair consideration.

Yes it does cost you $100 but that might make the agreement iron clad and prevent any sleazy lawyer from trying to argue otherwise with you also having the check cashed by the tenant.

ours is somewhat similar but less verbiage.

STATEMENT

We voluntarily surrender the property to "company name". Any items left of the premises may be disposed of by owner/manager.

We have left the keys and our forwarding address: "place for address".

Things went well today, except there was no key at closing.

Turns out, the door has "never" been locked. I discovered only the top hinge was attached to the house. A few long screws & replaced locking knobs & all is OK

The resident and friends did remove everything from the house (well, mostly - good enough)

They have the weekend to clear the yard.

On the negative side, though - now that the floor can be seen - there is a DEEP settlement crack in the concrete.slab floor. And a couple other things that couldn't be seen before.

I think my contingency is already gone - but that's how it goes sometimes, with a nasty gut-job house. Always need to envision the end product for motivation.

Still a good enough deal to meet the 1% minimum requirement.

are you saying slab failure? Big bucks. I've seen a few where a pipe in the slab leaked and undermined the dirt and slab cracked and fell in.

One place we used a leak specialist-- the kind that water proofs things. He demoed the damages reran good piping and bam it was done. I think it was about 1600.00.

are you saying slab failure? Big bucks. I've seen a few where a pipe in the slab leaked and undermined the dirt and slab cracked and fell in.

One place we used a leak specialist-- the kind that water proofs things. He demoed the damages reran good piping and bam it was done. I think it was about 1600.00.

Thank you for the update.

I am in agreement with Christopher. We have used a similar document that includes a "reward" typically $500 for full completion at by the end of the agreement. I simultaneous begin the eviction process as a back up plan. If the Tenant is out as agreed and removed their items, they get the reward, I get the property earlier and cleaner. Virginia will not allow forced removal without a full eviction.