A couple in the Long Beach, CA area came upon squatters in their vacant home recently. It was listed, (I can hear the staggers now...) but it didn't stop squatters from spending two week on the property before they were caught. Two weeks and not serviced!?
Anyway – when confronted, the squatters told the real owners they were trespassing, I know I laughed too but wait it gets funnier. The Police were called in to settle this dispute and the squatters produced an electric bill in their name to prove the property was theirs. Sad but true. (lol)
Here is where change is needed. It seems that the electric company will turn on electricity in your name if you have good credit and, since the Police could not verify property rights, they could not evict the squatters. I know, they ought to be a law...! Long story short, the squatters admitted to a Detective later on they were wrong and agreed to move out.
The question remains, do squatters have rights? Yes and no. In the legal world its call adverse possession. If the property was abandoned (in this case it was not) and some one else squatted on it for 5 years or more, and paid the taxes, the squatter can then claim control (depending on the state), and the squatter must openly admit they are taking possession of the property. If the squatter is unknown to the rightful owner and does not have the right to occupy the premises then they must leave.
To prevent squatters here are some things you can do:
- Keep property securely locked
- Make regular visits to the property, or
- Ask a neighbor to visit or hire a cleaner to make regular visits
- Put lights on a timer
- Leave a radio or TV turned on
- Have blinds or curtains in place
If you find a squatter on your property, call the Police immediately, if they cannot assist you start legal proceedings. Do not approach them alone always have a witness and document your conversations with them.
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