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How long does it take to evict a squatter? You might be surprised!

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene AB37665

How long does it take to evict a squatter?
My client found out the hard way....

When my client was trying to evict a couple squatting in her investment home, her lawyer told her something that is a surprise to most people who hear this story.


Because her home sat on more than 5 acres,
the typical eviction process did not apply.

In Idaho, 51 days is about the longest period of time an eviction can drag out.

Instead, because the home was on more than 5 acres, she needed to hire a lawyer and proceed with a judicial eviction through the court system. This meant months before the case came up on the docket, another month under advisement. Thousands of dollars in legal expenses.

judicial eviction of squattersThen, after the judge ruled in her favor and ordered the eviction, it took 10 days before she could step foot on her property, while the squatters hauled away two storage sheds, the hot tub and air conditioner on a flat bed truck in view of the neighbors!

Because the judge's ruling came down on a Friday, and the sheriff's office doesn't serve eviction notices over the weekend, the process started the following Monday. They posted the notice and tried for several days to serve.

On the last day, they were able to serve the eviction notice. At that point the squatters had 72 hours to be out. Which put us into the following weekend. But until the sheriff's deputy goes out to the property to verify that the squatters have vacated the property, the owner can't step foot on the property. So another weekend to wait.

Now, if they haven't vacated by this point in time, the sheriff will place all of their personal property in storage, which the property owner will be required to pay for! THEN, the owner will be able to take possession of the property.

No one who has heard this story has been aware that the eviction process is much more complicated when the home is on more than 5 acres.

If you're a homeowner who is considering
renting or leasing your rural property, be sure to take this into consideration as you decide how to proceed!

Posted by

Janna Rankin Scharf provides a superior level of real estate service to home buyers and sellers in Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County, Idaho. Visit www.JannaScharf.com for area information and to search for all homes in the Coeur d'Alene Multiple Listing Service. 

No matter how grand or modest your real estate dreams may be, you can turn to me in confidence.  Give me a call today so I can  be of service to you!

Janna Rankin Scharf AB, GRI, CLHMS, PMN, SFR  208.651.9700

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Comments (4)

Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Great information, and I like the title too...you will get a bunch of clicks!

Feb 10, 2017 07:31 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

The laws in some areas are absolutely out dated.   They don't even make sense and I am surprised that more people have not gotten hurt dealing with them

Feb 10, 2017 07:46 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Several years ago, a friend of mine went through something similar.  The property was in a rural part of Sacramento County.  I can't remember exactly how long it took, but remember it being a very lengthy, costly and emotionally draining experience for him.

Feb 10, 2017 07:07 PM
Janna Scharf
It is, for sure.
Feb 11, 2017 09:29 AM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Sounds like time for some reform in the legal department in Spudley country !

Feb 11, 2017 04:21 AM
Janna Scharf
What was explained at the time is that homes on acreages typically can have crop and livestock concerns that need time to sort out and facilitate. Still, what a mess. The law is definitely written to protect and give benefit of the doubt to the tenants. Much like it does for buyers in real estate purchase and sale contracts.
Feb 11, 2017 09:28 AM