The law establishes procedures for the removal of property during the execution of warrants of eviction by the Nassau County Sheriff, including the storage of an evicted person's property at a storage warehouse for 30 days subsequent to the eviction. Absent a veto on the part of the County Executive within 30 days, the legislation would become effective immediately.

Legislator Patrick Williams (D-Uniondale) said on behalf of the Democratic caucus, "It is inhumane to take people's personal belongings and put them out on the street where scavengers can pick through them and take what few items they may have. Frequently, it is the most needy individuals, young, single mothers, who are being subjected to this unfortunate treatment. People are entitled to some dignity. Storing the belongings for a period of time will give these individuals a chance to reclaim their possessions."

The new legislation states that after a warrant of eviction has been issued by the Sheriff to the tenant as required by law, the landlord must make arrangements to have the personal items removed from the premises by a mover and transported to a storage warehouse for a 30 day period. Prior to the removal of any items, the mover shall inventory all items by number of boxes or category. The tenant may remove any belongings prior and during the removal. The packing and removal of the items of personal property from the premises shall be the responsibility of the mover. All charges for the mover, the transport, and storage of the belongings must be paid in full by the landlord and proof must be provided by the landlord that satisfactory arrangements have been made.

After a period of 30 days has elapsed, the storage facility has the right to dispose of any remaining personal property in the manner prescribed by the law.

For information or a copy of the law, call the Majority Press Office at 571-6226 or 571-6285.