Abandonment occurs when a Contract Holder leaves their property with no intention of returning, without giving formal notice or returning their keys. This can be identified through reports from neighbors, observations by officers, or information from another agency.
Questions to Ask:
- How long has the property been empty?
- How do you know the Contract Holder has moved out?
- Have you seen them moving any items out?
- When was the last time the bins were taken out?
- Do they have any pets? Are the pets still in the property? (If yes, follow Same Day SLA for animal welfare.)
Next Steps:
- If Criteria NOT Met:
- Log a phone call activity on YODA, detailing the conversation, questions asked, answers received, and the reason you believe the property is not abandoned. Then, complete the activity.
- If Criteria IS Met:
- Create a TMI – Abandonment case and assign it to Community Housing.
- Add a phone call activity to the TMI, detailing the conversation, questions asked, answers received, and why you believe the property is abandoned. Assign the TMI to the Housing Officer.
What Happens Next:
The relevant staff member will conduct several checks, attempt to contact the Contract Holder, and, if unsuccessful, serve an abandonment notice.
