Landlord & Tenant Services
The Landlord Tenant Unit processes approximately 13,000 summonses for non-payment of rent each month. A copy is mailed to tenants notifying them of the pending trial date. A copy is then posted on the premises as an added safeguard that all parties are notified. The Office of the Sheriff encourages all parties in legal action to attend scheduled hearings to ensure their rights.
Deputies do not represent the property owner or the tenant in Landlord/Tenant matters. The Sheriff is the "enforcement arm of the court" and acts as an "impartial third party" in these matters, ensuring the rights of all citizens are protected during enforcement of the court's orders.
The responsibility for removal and placement of a tenant's property lies with the property owner.
As a matter of policy, the Office of the Sheriff does not enforce Landlord/Tenant orders if precipitation is present at the beginning of enforcement. However, once repossession of a property has begun, it cannot be stopped until complete. Enforcement of these orders may be stayed by the court if the high temperature of the day is not forecasted to rise above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are a property owner:
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The address on your complaint and all pertinent court documents must be accurate and complete. Since the court order is specific, deputies will only enforce orders that reflect the true legal address of the premises. Warrants bearing minor discrepancies in the address can not be enforced. |
| The address must be clearly displayed on the property. The outside of the building must be clearly identifiable as the address on the Warrant of Restitution. If the building contains more than one residence or office, each must be clearly identified and appropriately marked. |
| Include directions to the property on a separate document to assist the deputy if your property is located in a remote area, or if the address differs from the physical location. |
| Include a daytime telephone number as well as the name of a contact person on the Warrant of Restitution so that we can make appropriate arrangements with you. |
| You will receive a copy of the Warrant of Restitution by mail after it has been issued by the court. The original document will be sent to our office for service. The original is the only copy that is enforceable. Once we have received the original we will contact you to schedule service. |
| Once we have scheduled enforcement of
your Warrant of Restitution it is important for you to:
* Notify the tenant of the date we have scheduled. Inform the tenant that their belongings will be placed on the nearest public roadway if they have not surrendered the property to you before that date. * Arrange for sufficient personnel to physically move the tenant's property to the nearest public roadway. You may hire an eviction service for this task. Look in the Yellow Pages under "Eviction Services". The Sheriff's Office cannot recommend a service. Please do not ask. |
| If you are making individual arrangements for persons to physically move the property, it is important for you to know that because the Unit receives over 3000 Warrants of Restitution each month, we have only scheduled one hour for you to physically move the tenant's property to the roadway. Consider the distance you will be moving the property when making staffing arrangements. |
| Minimum staffing levels must be apparent
when the deputy arrives to enforce the order. These guidelines represent
the minimum number of able-bodied persons necessary to conduct the
move. All members of your crew must be capable of lifting large,
heavy objects and furniture.
6 persons 1 Bedroom Apartment 8 persons 2 Bedroom Apartment 10 persons 3 Bedroom Apartment 10 persons Single Family Homes If you fail to meet the minimum staffing standards, or if the deputy determines that your crew is insufficient, the Warrant of Restitution will be cancelled and you will be required to re-file your original action with the court. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you make thorough arrangements for a suitable crew and appropriate equipment to accomplish the task. |
| The Warrant of Restitution is valid for sixty (60) days from the date of judgment. The Warrant must be enforced within sixty (60) days. If you are unable to supply the appropriate personnel to carry out the order prior to expiration, the Warrant will be cancelled, and you will be required to re-file your original action with the court. |
| Do not enter the property prior to the deputy's arrival. The deputy MUST be the first person to enter the premises on the day of enforcement. If the deputy arrives to find that you have already entered the premises, your Warrant of Restitution will be cancelled, and you will be required to re-file your original action with the court. This requirement pertains only to enforcement of the Warrant and is not intended to limit or restrict your rights or other enforceable obligations. |
| If the tenant moves or satisfies the judgment, please contact us to cancel the scheduled enforcement. |
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Office of the Sheriff Landlord Tenant Unit
Scheduling Desk - 301-952-5088
Commander - 301-952-4930
District Court Clerk - 301-699-2789
Property Standards - 301-883-6100
Attorney General - 301-470-7534
Social Services - 301-209-5000
Catholic Charities - 301-568-9529
Tenant/Landlord Hotline - 410-243-6007 or 800-487-6007
©copyright 1999, PGSO