Eviction Horror Story – Episode 4: The Tenant with Too Much Stuff
What Do You Do When There’s Too Much to Evict?
You’ve shown up on eviction day.
It’s the final stage of a long, drawn-out process.
The legal battles are behind you, and today’s goal is simple but crucial: remove the tenant’s possessions and secure the property.
Arriving with your crew, law enforcement by your side, you prepare to clear out the unit. But upon stepping through the door, your stomach sinks.
Piles of furniture, boxes, clothing, and random clutter tower to the ceiling. You can barely make out the walls. There’s no chance this can all be cleared in the time you have.
Then another issue dawns on you. Michigan law says any possessions left behind could give the tenant grounds to return and reoccupy the property. That’s the last thing you want to deal with. Time isn’t on your side, and you need to act fast.
What do you do?
Here’s how we tackled this high-stakes situation and the key lessons every landlord and property manager can take from it.
The Day One Dumpster Wasn’t Enough
This particular eviction process hadn’t been easy.
The tenant had been months behind on rent, and despite numerous attempts to resolve the situation amicably, no agreement could be reached. Finally, an official eviction order was granted, and the date was set.
We showed up that morning with a team ready to handle the move-out quickly and efficiently. A large dumpster had already been arranged to help us clear the debris.
But as soon as we entered the unit, the reality of the situation hit us.
The tenant had accumulated an astonishing amount of belongings. Furniture was crammed into every corner, closets were bursting, and unopened boxes covered the floors. This wasn’t typical clutter. It was hoarder-level chaos.
One dumpster wasn’t going to cut it. Not even close. And the clock was ticking. Leaving possessions behind overnight simply wasn’t an option.
Calling an Audible and Acting Fast
Recognizing the scope of the issue, we pivoted into problem-solving mode immediately. A second dumpster was the only solution, but getting one delivered on the same day was a tall order. We reached out to our trusted dumpster provider and explained the urgency of the situation.
To their credit, they understood the critical timeline we were operating under and expedited the delivery of a second dumpster. Even so, every minute that passed heightened the risk.
While waiting for the backup dumpster, our team didn’t waste time.
We began sorting and organizing items systematically, ensuring we tackled the most cumbersome pieces first to maximize efficiency. By the time the second dumpster arrived, our team was in full swing.
The Race Against the Clock
Clearing out the remaining belongings was no small feat, even with two dumpsters. The entire team worked tirelessly to move one load after another, monitoring progress closely to ensure we were on track.
By late afternoon, the unit was finally empty.
But we weren’t in the clear yet.
We needed to secure the property immediately to prevent the tenant from returning and claiming reentry.
Securing the Property
Once the last item was removed, our maintenance team took over. New locks were installed, and all entry points were reinforced. This step was critical—not only for preventing re-entry but also for signaling to future renters that the property is safe and secure.
To add an extra layer of protection, we scheduled regular security checks for the following days. These precautions ensured the property remained vacant and gave us peace of mind that the eviction was fully executed.
Lessons Learned from a Challenging Eviction
This experience was a wake-up call about the importance of preparedness and adaptability when handling evictions. Here are the key takeaways for landlords and property managers to avoid similar headaches in the future.
1. Plan for Contingencies
Evictions often come with surprises, so always prepare for the unexpected. If you think one dumpster might be enough, arrange for a backup plan just in case.
Establish strong relationships with vendors like dumpster providers to help you act quickly when timelines are tight.
2. Understand Local Laws
Michigan law requires landlords to fully remove tenant belongings during eviction to prevent re-entry claims.
Familiarize yourself with the legal requirements in your area to avoid legal setbacks or tenant disputes.
3. Act Decisively
When things don’t go as planned, hesitation can cost you.
Assess the situation quickly, identify solutions, and execute them immediately to stay ahead of potential delays or conflicts.
4. Secure the Property Immediately
Clearing out tenant possessions is only half the battle. Securing the property is just as important.
Install new locks and conduct daily security checks following an eviction to ensure the unit stays empty until it’s ready to be rented again.
5. Have a Reliable Team
Evictions require coordination between property managers, maintenance teams, law enforcement, and vendors.
Work with trusted partners who can deliver under pressure to ensure a smooth process.
How to Prepare for the Unexpected
Evictions are one of the toughest situations landlords face, but they don’t have to become horror stories.
With the right preparation, quick thinking, and a reliable network, you can handle even the most daunting scenarios (we promise!).
If you’re a landlord or property manager looking for expert guidance on evictions or property management, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in navigating challenges, maintaining your properties, and ensuring your investments stay profitable. Together, we’ll turn even the most stressful situations into wins.