Let’s Talk about Squatter’s Rights
As a property owner, squatters are one of my biggest concerns. A squatter is someone who is living on a property without the owner’s permission. These uninvited guests can be dangerous and cause problems on the property.
What are squatter’s rights? Squatters live on another person’s property without permission. After a period of time (depending on the state), the squatter will have rights to remain on the property. Furthermore, the squatter may have the right to own the land after a long period of occupying it. The legal name is “adverse possession”.
You must inspect your property regularly to avoid having squatters on the property. This is especially important for homeowners who do not live in the home. The homeowner should be inspecting for signs of a break in, or signs of unwanted activity.
Here are some things to do if you have a squatter:
Determine the length of the squatter’s occupancy. If the squatter’s have been there some time, they may be entitled to a full eviction process. If the squatter has not been there long, and can not prove they are tenants, the police may be able to remove them.
Start the eviction process. Don’t wait! If the police can not remove the squatter because of court proceedings, the owner should go to court to start the eviction process. Remember, squatter’s rights state the squatter can legally own the property if they live in it long enough.
Hire a lawyer with squatter’s rights experience. Some squatters are “professional squatters”. They understand the law and know how to make it work in their favor. It’s best to have an experienced lawyer on your side.
Do you have property damaged by squatters or poor tenants in the D.C/Maryland/Virginia area? Diamond Syndication, LLC can save you the heartache of repair. We will buy your house in any condition.
