Landlords should always know the laws specific to dealing with trespassers and squatters on your property. Each state has its own laws, so find the appropriate set of rules and keep them handy.
North Richland Hill Texas – Property Management: Being a landlord has its share of rewards. It also comes with responsibilities and occasional aggravating factors now and then. One of the best reasons to keep your rent reasonable and to aggressively screen your tenants is to keep good people in your houses. An empty house is an invitation for all sorts of mischief, not the least of these being trespassers and squatters.
One of the best reasons to keep your rent reasonable and to aggressively screen your tenants is to keep good people in your houses. An empty house is an invitation for all sorts of mischief, not the least of these being trespassers and squatters
Having a squatter in your real estate investment property is not just an aggravation. It can be much more than that. You now have a person that boldly moved into a home that doesn’t belong to him or her, and is most likely unconcerned with the consequences that could befall you, the owner. You maintain liability in the home whether you know what’s going on there or not. It’s your property. You are liable.
There are definitely laws against squatting and trespassing but you must take care to go through all of the necessary steps to avoid getting caught up in legal loopholes that could favor the squatter. Believe it or not, in many states it is difficult to simply throw them out as common sense would dictate. In fact, in some states it is actually going to be difficult to remove a squatter if they have moved in and done anything to improve the property.
If the trespasser has moved into the house because it has no current tenant and picks the trash up from the front yard, those actions could be enough to indicate improvement of the property. They can throw a sleeping bag onto the floor of the living room and plant a flower and they are now under a different umbrella. Trespass wouldn’t apply in this case. It all depends on the state and county in which your house is located.
- There are definitely laws against squatting and trespassing but you must take care to go through all of the necessary steps to avoid getting caught up in legal loopholes that could favor the squatter.
- In fact, in some states it is actually going to be difficult to remove a squatter if they have moved in and done anything to improve the property.
- It all depends on the state and county in which your house is located.
Any time you buy a house for rental purposes, the law of the land should be known to you. The reason it’s so important to know the law? You could be on the wrong side of the judicial system if you don’t handle the situation in exactly the right way. Though this doesn’t seem to make good common sense, it is the law so know your rights and how to handle trespassers specifically. Trespassing is a criminal matter, while squatting is more of a civil matter. Know the law in your area, keep your insurance up to date, and keep an eye on your property.
