All members of The Registered Vacant Property LLC (RVP) must be prepared to answer questions regarding the company and have a base knowledge of the real estate industry as it applies to what we do. Some of this training information applies to everyone in the company. For more specific training as it applies your specific job. Subsequent training will be provided.
The Mission of Registered Vacant Properties LLC
The mission and goal of Registered Vacant Properties is to solve a nationwide problem. The illegal possession of real property for express purpose of extorting money and worse from real property owners. We’re going to do this in two significant ways.
ONE By providing a service designed to keep vacant real estate properties from being illegally occupied in the first place. Working in concert with property owners, law enforcement, and real estate professionals the goal is to discourage if not outright prevent the illegal occupancy of vacant real estate. With the use of The RVP registered trademark and signage our goal is to make RVP the single symbol of vacant property prevention. It is the goal that by accomplishing this preventing illegal occupancies will become progressively easier as market penetration increases.
Two By educating the public about the difference between someone seeking to own abandoned real estate and someone seeking to take advantage of a vacant property for the express purpose of forcing the property owner to pay them to vacate the property.
Currently anyone taking up occupancy in a vacant property is referred to as a Squatter. There are laws favoring the rights of Squatters. We are not seeking to change the laws regarding Squatters nor unfairly vivify them.
Instead, our aim is to prevent the Real Estate Kidnappers, aka REK’s from taking possession of real estate for the express purpose of obtaining free rent until being paid to leave the property.
To accomplish these goals, RVP staff and employees must clearly communicate the difference between Squatters and REK’s at all times and in all conversations on the subject. In other words, our aim is to change the nationwide dialogue on this subject. Whenever the moment or circumstances present themselves, we as RVP staff and employees are to make the distinction between the two. As a secondary goal, we want the term REK’s to become the way people who kidnap real property for illegal gain are referred to.
List of Terms to Know
Abandoned: Real estate property left vacant by the previous or current owner. Without needed protection, care, or support the property will eventually falls into disrepair.
Cash for Keys: In an effort to get an unwanted person out of their property the owner will make an informal arrangement with the occupant. The owner will offer the occupant a lump sum of money in exchange for voluntarily vacating the property. It’s commonly used to avoid the cost of a formal eviction process.
Eviction: The court-ordered removal of a tenant from a property.
Kidnapper: A person who takes somebody (or property), away illegally and keeps them (it) as a prisoner, often with the intention of demanding money or something else in exchange for their (its) release.
Occupancy: Refers to the act of living in a room, building, or area of land, usually for multiple days, weeks, months or years.
Real Property: A parcel of land and any structures permanently attached to it
The owner of real property has all the rights of ownership, including the right to possess, sell, lease, and enjoy the land. It encompasses both the physical and (including what lies below and above it) and everything permanently attached to it – whether natural or artificial. This includes buildings, fences, utilities, and other improvements.
REK: Real Estate Kidnapper, an individual who seeks out a vacant property for the sole purpose to take possession without authority. They either plan to live rent free for as long as possible or hold onto the property for ransom, a cash payment for them to give the properties possession back to the owner.
Realtor: Is a licensed real estate salesperson who is also a member of the National Association of Realtors. Realtors, assists buyers, sellers, and renters in real estate transactions.
Real Estate Owned (REO): Refers to residential property that a lender becomes the owner of after completing a foreclosure and taking possession of the property.
Squatter: Someone who openly moves into vacant real estate property with intent to become the eventual owner of the property.
Trespassing: To knowingly enter another person’s property without their
permission. It is considered a criminal offense for which the trespasser can suffer criminal penalties.
Unlawful Detainer: A term used to describe the process of obtaining a court order to remove a person from real estate.
Vacancy Period: Signifies the state of time a property is being unoccupied or empty.
Vacant: Real estate property which in not occupied for a period of a day, a week or longer.
Our Registered Vacant Programs
Program One: Basic vacancy registration is for a period of 30 days. Additional time can be added to the original 30 days in increments of a week for a fee. There is no limit to the number of additional weeks which can be added.
The property owner supplies RVP with the start and end dates the property will be vacant. The property owner must also adhere to the list of Occupancy Behaviors during the vacancy date range. The owner is required to agree to Occupancy Behaviors in writing. During the registered vacant period no one is allowed to occupy the property, including the owner themselves.
The idea is during the registered vacant period anyone claiming to have permission to occupy the property open themselves up to immediate arrest for trespassing.
As part of the process the ownership is verified by RVP and the vacancy of the property is verified at the start of the vacancy date range.
Program Two: Vacation properties are often vacant for extended periods of time. The minimum vacancy date range is 3 months. Vacation properties can extend the date range beyond the original 3 months in one-month increments. Vacation properties are otherwise required to adhere to the same Occupancy Behaviors as basic registrations.
Program Three: Properties for sale are offered the option to select a vacancy date range based on their needs. There is no minimum or maximum but the initial fee for setting the vacancy is based on the Basic 30-day fee. In most cases the property for sale will utilize the assistance of a Realtor. As part of our service will be certifying Realtors to assist property owners with the registration process.
Program Four: Banks, lending institutions, and investors often own multiple properties. Although the basic registration process is similar to the other programs. Program Fours major differences are that this program requires an assessment by RVP and subsequent quote to meet their needs.
Regardless of the program every registered vacant property will be required to have the registered vacant trademark signage posted on the property. The posting will vary depending on the property, but it will be highly recommended that all main entrances be posted.
As a precursor to a full registration, we also offer a signage only package, which property owners can purchase immediately, for limited protection. We should encourage property owners to obtain the Signage Package from the RegisteredVacant.com website.
In Person Registrations
In the event a property owner wishes to register a property vacant in person. The RVP.s employees or staff member is to refer the property owner to the RegistratedVacant.com website to register the property. It is permitted to assist the property owner with an online registration.
Under no circumstances should the employee or staff member accept payment for the registration fee. All fees are to be paid through the RegisteredVacant.com website.