Know your rights or lose your home...

Know your rights or lose your home...

Squatting:
An individual occupies an abandoned, unused, or unoccupied property without the legal permission of the property owner. The squatter must reside in the property continuously for a specific period, which varies by jurisdiction. For example, in some states in the U.S., this period can be as short as 5 years or as long as 30 years. The occupation must be obvious to anyone, including the property owner. The squatter should act as if they have a rightful claim to the property. The squatter's possession of the property should be without the owner's permission. The squatter must possess the property exclusively and not share possession with others, including the owner or the public. If these conditions are met, the squatter may file for "adverse possession" to claim legal ownership of the property.

Prevention Measures:
Regularly inspect your property, especially if it's vacant, to ensure no one is living there without permission. Use security cameras, alarm systems, and other security measures to deter unauthorized occupancy. Clearly mark the property with "No Trespassing" signs to indicate that unauthorized entry is prohibited. Keep the property maintained and in use to make it less attractive to potential squatters. This includes mowing the lawn, securing windows and doors, and removing junk. Inform neighbors or nearby contact persons to alert you if they see any unusual activity.

Legal Remedies:
If you discover squatters, act quickly by notifying law enforcement and consulting with an attorney. Serve an eviction notice to the squatter. The legal requirements for eviction notices vary by jurisdiction. If the squatter does not vacate, you may need to file a lawsuit to obtain a court order for their removal. Regularly check for any changes or unauthorized activity on your property title.