re: OT Law Connoisseurs - Vacant property

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I’ve heard of squatters rights, but does anyone know a way of acquiring these or knocking them down legally?

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Legally? That’s going to take a while.

If you have a little wiggle room where justice is an overwhelming compulsion [raises hand], then consider Plan B:

The occupant is already doing something they know is not right. They are trying to get away with it. So they will probably not call the cops. They likely do not have a cell phone (requires a source of income).

If they are squatting, they probably do not have keys to the house. This means when they are not in the house, the doors are unlocked.

I would go in there when they are not at home, and would pack all their shite in a garbage bag, and leave a note where their shite was simply stating “Get out of my house.” Leave a separate note that says, “I can make things much worse for you”

I would douse the bag of their shite with gasoline in the back yard in an area where fire won’t spread, light it, and leave. If that’s too risky for you, either remove it completely or leave it at the curb by the street with a note to get the frick out.

The next step if they move back is to be waiting for them inside the house and confront them. Let them know they need to get the frick out immediately. Be prepared to get physical if simple and direct words aren’t working.

My preference would be to tell no one else- not my wife or any neighbors, just in case it gets VERY physical. But if you don’t have it in you to get VERY physical, then partner up with a neighbor that can and will get physical if needed AND will keep their mouth shut.

There is a legal way to do this of course. But there’s a reason the phrase “squatters rights” exists as a phrase. The law favors the squatters. Cops won’t do shite to help (because they can’t), but will look the other way as long as your method of taking matters into your own hands does not result in death or a big scene.

Under these circumstances, a squatter has no basis to get tough or cocky. They are in a no win situation. You will get your way, and you will get away with it.