Virginia Law

A. Prior to the initiation of negotiations the district relocation section will conduct a preacquisition survey of the project. The preacquisition survey is primarily a data gathering function to provide an inventory of relevant characteristics, circumstances and relocation needs of all residential and nonresidential displacees. It should also include a survey of available comparable replacement housing and replacement sites.

B. The district relocation staff will conduct interviews with individuals, families, businesses, farms and nonprofit organizations within the proposed right of way. It is important that accurate and detailed information be obtained that fully reflects the housing needs of each potential displacee.

When the relocation agent visits the potential displacee, the agent should explain that VDOT is conducting a data-gathering survey and that the visit in no way should be construed as a notice to move, or qualification for any relocation benefits. The following points should be explained to the occupant at the time this contact is made:

1. The persons involved must be in occupancy of the subject property when VDOT makes the written offer for the parcel (unless a notice of Intent to Acquire is issued) to qualify for relocation payments; and

2. The potential displacee should not make any financial commitments concerning replacement housing at this time. The property has not yet been acquired and a premature move could result in disqualification for benefits they would otherwise receive.

C. The survey should include the following information for each displacement unit:

1. The name, home address, home and work telephone numbers of the displacee and the best time to call.

2. The number of people residing in the dwelling, indicating each person's gender, age, and social security numbers for all adults (an adult is anyone age 18 or older).

3. A description of all buildings on the property and a list of all rooms in the dwelling unit. If a mobile home is situated on the parcel, state the exterior dimensions.

4. Any disabilities of the occupants which could affect relocation needs.

5. A statement as to whether or not the dwelling meets decent, safe and sanitary standards. If the dwelling does not meet standards, an explanation should be included.

6. The type of displacee, (owner or tenant) and identification of the type of dwelling unit now occupied, (house, apartment, room or mobile home). If the displacee is a tenant, determine if the unit is furnished or unfurnished.

7. The gross family income from all sources including wages, interest, social security, welfare (excluding food stamps), disability payments and other untaxed income.

8. The date the family occupied the dwelling. Care should be exercised in completing this item as it establishes eligibility for various relocation benefits. For tenants, an outside source, owners' rental records, etc., should verify the date of occupancy. Conflicting information about occupancy status must be resolved if they affect eligibility. Rent paid and the cost and type of utilities included in the rent should be secured. Also, determine if a special tenant-landlord relationship exists (son-father, etc.) and determine if the tenant performs any services in lieu of rent.

9. If an owner-displacee has an outstanding mortgage, the monthly payment, interest rate, original amount, term, and the unpaid balance should be secured.

10. The displacee's replacement housing intentions and preferences (specific school district, location, etc.).