--- title: What is a Writ of Possession and when is it executed? description: A writ of possession is a legal document issued by a court that grants a landlord the right to regain possession of a property after winning an eviction. --- [Skip to content](https://help.alcoverooms.com/what-is-a-writ-of-possession-and-when-is-it-executed#main-content) [![logotypesvg](https://help.alcoverooms.com/hubfs/logotypesvg.svg)](https://alcoverooms.com) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Visit Alcove](https://alcoverooms.com/) [Visit Alcove](https://alcoverooms.com/) Welcome to Alcove. How can we help? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://help.alcoverooms.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [FAQ for Owners / Property Managers](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-owners-property-managers?hsLang=en) 3. [Delinquency & Evictions](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-owners-property-managers?hsLang=en#delinquency-evictions) # What is a Writ of Possession and when is it executed? ***Note:** This information is provided by Alcove for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified Real Estate attorney for advice specific to your situation. If you are a current Alcove landlord, feel free to contact Partner Support at partner@alcoverooms.com for more information or to request a legal recommendation.*   A **writ of possession** is a legal document issued by a court that grants a landlord the right to regain possession of a property after successfully winning an eviction case against a tenant. This writ is typically the final step in the eviction process and authorizes law enforcement to remove the tenant and their belongings if they do not vacate voluntarily. --- ### When is a Writ of Possession Granted? A landlord can request a writ of possession **after obtaining a court judgment for eviction**. For more information on eviction see [Managing and Executing Evictions for Delinquent Tenants.](https://help.alcoverooms.com/managing-tenant-delinquency-and-eviction?hsLang=en) Once the court rules in favor of the landlord, a writ of possession can be issued. The timing and procedures vary by state, but landlords generally must wait a specified period to allow for the tenant to appeal to the courts, before the landlord can request the writ. For more information on waiting periods see the county's websites [here](https://help.alcoverooms.com/county-information-for-eviction-filings?hsLang=en).  --- ### How is a Writ of Possession Executed? After the writ of possession is issued: 1. **Delivery to Law Enforcement** – The landlord or their attorney must deliver the writ to the local law enforcement agency, typically the sheriff’s office or constable, who is responsible for enforcing it. 2. **Notice to the Tenant** – Law enforcement will usually post a notice on the property, informing the tenant of the deadline to vacate.  3. **Notice to Alcove** - The landlord must inform Alcove of the writ of possession date. Alcove will schedule a turnover service to verify if the tenant has left by the writ of possession date.  4. **Physical Removal** – If the tenant has not left voluntarily by the deadline (as verified by the turnover service), law enforcement officers will arrive to remove the tenant and their belongings. *The landlord cannot carry out the eviction themselves.* We highly suggest contacting Alcove on the date the writ of possession will be carried out, to secure the property and bedroom with a turnover service and bedroom code change.  5. **Possession Returned to the Landlord** – Once the property is vacated, the landlord regains possession. Alcove may proceed with securing the unit and begin the process of re-leasing the room at no additional cost to the landlord. --- ### What Should Landlords and Tenants Expect? - **For Landlords:** It is crucial to follow the legal process carefully. Attempting to evict a tenant without a writ of possession or securing the property (Alcove's tenant turnover service) can lead to legal consequences. - **For Tenants:** A writ of possession is a final notice that eviction is imminent. If possible, tenants should make arrangements to vacate before law enforcement intervenes to avoid forceful removal and potential damage to personal property. - **For Both Parties:** Evictions can be stressful, so understanding local laws and working toward a resolution before reaching this stage is often in everyone’s best interest. For more information on Alcove's delinquency process and evictions see the following help articles: - [Alcove's rent collection process](https://help.alcoverooms.com/alcoves-rent-collection-process?hsLang=en) - [Managing and Executing Evictions for Delinquent Tenants](https://help.alcoverooms.com/managing-tenant-delinquency-and-eviction?hsLang=en) - [How does Alcove assist if a tenant fails to pay rent on time?](https://help.alcoverooms.com/how-does-alcove-assist-if-a-tenant-fails-to-pay-rent-on-time?hsLang=en) - [State, County Information for Eviction Filings](https://help.alcoverooms.com/county-information-for-eviction-filings?hsLang=en) ***Note:** This information is provided by Alcove for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified Real Estate attorney for advice specific to your situation. 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