re: Question for attorneys or other knowledgeable people regarding squatters

If the squatters can’t identify the assailants what kind a case do you have I suggest doing it around 4 am

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My mom has a cottage on Lake Michigan that doesn’t get used much which is why I’m asking.

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Secure all the windows and doors. Pay for a quality security system, preferably monitored and with exterior cameras that are cloud-based. The key is being able to react immediately to the initial break-in and showing it was a break-in. The timely response of the police will not give them time to fix the evidence of the break-in and replace the locks on the doors. The exterior cameras should be able to prove the break-in as well. If there is clear evidence of a break-in it will go a long way in most jurisdictions to avoiding it ever becoming a landlord-tenant issue. These are merely basic tips and their effectiveness would be heavily impacted by jurisdictional laws.

Exactly. That’s how a squatter should be handled. Let the Wooley Swamp take care of the trash.

How would a lease supersede a squatter if a deed doesn’t. That makes little sense. The hired squatter roommate would work.

Also, they often have proof they live there by utilities or mail in their name.

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Secure all the windows and doors. Pay for a quality security system, preferably monitored and with exterior cameras that are cloud-based. The key is being able to react immediately to the initial break-in and showing it was a break-in. The timely response of the police will not give them time to fix the evidence of the break-in and replace the locks on the doors. The exterior cameras should be able to prove the break-in as well. If there is clear evidence of a break-in it will go a long way in most jurisdictions to avoiding it ever becoming a landlord-tenant issue. These are merely basic tips and their effectiveness would be heavily impacted by jurisdictional laws.

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Good ideas. Thanks!

Install front door backwards so hinges are on the outside.

Just remove the door if someone doesn’t pay rent or the place is taken over by squatters.

See how long they last with no door.

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Also, they often have proof they live there by utilities or mail in their name.

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In my municipality they won't put utilities in your name without a deed recorded with the clerk of court or a notarized rental agreement. You may be able to phony up a lease but getting someone to notarize it is a different pot of crawfish.

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Also, they often have proof they live there by utilities or mail in their name

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They often also have a fake lease which is presented to police, then it becomes a “civil matter” and they stay out of it.

The more sophisticated squatters get a DL with the address then it gets tougher.
Many courts are extremely tenant friendly and will continually delay eviction and will come down hard on the “landlord” for harassment and discrimination.

It’s ABSOLUTELY BULLS%#T but in many areas, it can be a nightmare.

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They often also have a fake lease which is presented to police, then it becomes a “civil matter” and they stay out of it.

The more sophisticated squatters get a DL with the address then it gets tougher.
Many courts are extremely tenant friendly and will continually delay eviction and will come down hard on the “landlord” for harassment and discrimination.

It’s ABSOLUTELY BULLS%#T but in many areas, it can be a nightmare.

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I'd get sophisticated too. I would become a squatters worst nightmare.

I’ll tell you what, when you think like that you will be arrested.
Fact is it’s your word vs theirs and someone being in your house illegally and you find them chances are they swing at your first.
Wink