Growing Issue of Squatters in Rental Properties

Squatting in rental properties and vacant homes is becoming an increasingly serious issue.

Scammers on social media are targeting vulnerable individuals who are seeking housing, often directing them towards recently vacated homes.

A notable example involves Mike Haskell, a homeowner in Windsor Mill, Maryland. Just a day before closing the sale on his four-bedroom, two-bathroom house—which he had renovated at great expense—he received some troubling news.

By the next morning, Haskell discovered that four families had moved into his property without his consent, and they had been there for at least a week.

“There shouldn’t be anyone there.”

As Haskell recounted to a local news outlet, his prospective buyers had actually alerted him to the situation. They saw a U-Haul parked outside and reached out to ask about it.

“They figured it might not be mentioned in the listings, and I had to explain, ‘No, it happened early on. There shouldn’t be anyone there,'” he said.

The situation escalated quickly. Haskell was called to the Baltimore County Police Department after noticing the lock had been changed and the for-sale sign removed from his yard.

According to documents obtained by the outlet, police initially treated the incident as a “civil matter.” No charges were filed, nor were the squatters removed.

When contacted, the squatters acknowledged they were illegally occupying the property, admitting they disrupted the sale process.

They explained that they found Haskell’s home through a social media advertisement that offered a one-time fee of $7,500 to move in. They had seen a flyer at the house, paid in cash, signed a lease, and then refused to show the original ads to reporters.

Eventually, Haskell managed to negotiate with one family, convincing them to leave—and surrender the keys—for $3,000.

Challenges of Evicting Squatters

This story illustrates just how quickly squatters can take over a property.

Once they establish themselves in a home, it becomes incredibly challenging to evict them.

Experts suggest that the best way to deter squatters is to regularly monitor properties, even if they are unoccupied.

“Preventing squatters from getting in is crucial,” noted Bruce Ailion, a real estate expert and lawyer. In Haskell’s case, not only did the squatters gain entry, but they also changed the locks, essentially giving themselves authority over the space.

Ailion also recommends avoiding cheap locks and deadbolts, which can be easily compromised. Instead, investing in quality locks from a locksmith is advised.

“Upon listing your home for sale or lease, it’s wise to install cameras and security systems,” added David Metzger, another real estate attorney.

Despite increased security measures, situations can still worsen.

The best course of action if you find squatters on your property is to contact local law enforcement. While police may not be able to remove them directly, your local sheriff could assist in addressing the issue.

If the situation becomes severe, it might be necessary to consult a qualified property lawyer to understand your rights and the legal eviction processes, which can vary significantly from state to state.

“It’s become more complicated to remove squatters than to evict illegal tenants,” Ailion remarked.