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The Online Etymology Dictionary reports that the word “slumlord” came into popular use in 1953, but it derived as a portmanteau of “slum landlord,” which had been used as early as 1893. Needless to say, slumlords’ neglect is not a new problem.

So a court has entered a money judgment in your favor against a debtor- you’ve won, right? While obtaining a judgment is the first step in the process of collecting on a debt, it is unlikely that the judgment debtor is simply going to hand the money over. However, asking the judgment debtor to pay the amount due is probably the best way to start the collections process, before you expend any money or time in the other collections processes, which can be complicated. Moreover, this is the best way to start if you do not have any information about the judgment debtor’s assets.

The Mayo Clinic defines hoarding as “the excessive collection of items, along with the inability to discard them,” and notes the following characteristics as signs and symptoms: cluttered living spaces, inability to discard items, acquiring unneeded or seemingly useless items (including trash), excessive attachment to possessions, and discomfort letting others touch or borrow possessions, among others.

The National Vacant Properties Campaign held its annual conference in Cleveland, Ohio last week. There to explain the positive impact that receiverships can have on vacant/abandoned properties in cities across the nation was Mark Adams of the California Receivership Group. Mr. Adams is a friend and mentor of mine.

As foreclosures continue flowing and banks lose additional control of their REO portfolios, more and more vacant properties in substandard condition will turn up in neighborhoods within San Diego County and the nation at large. Cities within San Diego County have taken promising steps over the years to beef up code enforcement strategies and neighborhood improvement initiatives, particularly in the City of Chula Vista and the City of San Diego. Attempts to stave off vacant/substandard/nuisance properties, coupled with an aggressive penalties system, can solve half the problem. However, once the property has been identified as a "nuisance" and the fines/penalties/charges have been issued, what next? Who ensures the property will be cleaned up and brought within compliance with the applicable code? The answer: court-appointed receivership.

Receiverships are commonly initiated in courts across California. Under a receivership, the receiver undertakes custodial responsibility over another’s property, assets and rights. The extent of the receiver’s duties and powers are stated in the appointment documents, be it a court order, a statute or private agreement.