Q&A for How to Squat in Abandoned Property

I would try to do a title search, or at least check the city/county records where the property is located. However, if you have lived there for 46 years, you most likely are listed somewhere as the property owner. I would contact a lawyer and ask how you can go about legally claiming it and getting the deed to the property put in your name.

That depends. If your father stated in his last will and testament that the house would go to you and your siblings when he died, then the property is legally yours and your aunt has no right to the house. If your father's will stated the house would go to your aunt, then she owns the property and you have no rights to it. In this case, I'd suggest talking to your father's lawyer and asking him to show you a copy of your father's will.

Tell them you're living there. Explain to them that you like living alone and you were there first. There's not much else you can do, as you are living there illegally.

Yes. All states have different rules, however, so consult a local housing lawyer about your specific case.

No. The person who took out the mortgage is the only one responsible for it. However, at least in the US, you will have to go to court to establish your right to the property, and the mortgage holder (usually a bank) may also show up to stake a claim to the property. Therefore you had better be well documented and have all of your ducks in a row, because their lawyers will definitely be prepared.

No.

No, you do not.

You have the right to leave and take only your possesions with you. You must leave before the end of the three days are over or you risk losing your stuff.

Only if you accept the risk of being caught by police or having the owners show up. If you do move in, check for things like mold, weird smells, and other things that may be adverse to your living conditions.

First, squatting is never a "good idea." There are many risks involved and it should only be done if you have no other options. However, if you're looking at squatting in a bank-owned property, you'll want to do so very covertly, because right now is a very strong buyer's market, and there are many investors out there who are getting foreclosure lists from banks and touring them. You could move into a foreclosure only to find people walking through your house at all times of the day.

Yes. First change the locks and secure the house.

No because other people now own that house and legal action can be taken if you get caught.

The easiest thing to do would be to look up squatting laws in California on Google, or you can go to the county courthouse and ask to be referred to a local law library to conduct research that way.

No. The bank is the owner and is maintaining the property and paying the taxes.

Yes.

In most places, yes, squatting is considered an illegal act.

No, because even when in foreclosure for that long, there is still a chance of someone buying the house.

It wouldn’t be wise to mess with it as this means the bank both takes care of the place and pays taxes on it.

It depends if in your friend's will they explicitly said that you could have their RV. If not, the police could take action.

Yes, different countries do have different laws about abandoned properties.

I suggest that you contact a local real estate dealer. He or she will probably know about the legal requirements. Just keep in mind that most abandoned houses can end up costing as much if not more than normal homes because of the lack of maintenance.

If you are being called into court, then yes, it's a good idea to have a lawyer.

It depends. Is the house in your name? If it is, you are both being evicted. If he is the one on the lease, then he is trying to get rid of you.

As long as the son owns it and keeps the taxes paid, you have no options unless the son lets you live there. As far as upkeep goes, if he doesn't do the upkeep and it becomes rundown, the township, city or county where the home is located can step in, condemn the property, and even tear it down if they choose to.

Local rules vary, and some may limit the occupancy to short terms (RV, tent, etc.) that don't require installation of a permanent "sanitation" system, or water supply, among other things.

Depends upon the laws, but generally "adverse possession" doesn't apply to government land, so it might need to have been a private school, and also not "taken" by the local tax authority. Then the "normal" rules of A.P. in your jurisdiction would apply (if it is even allowed in your state).

Normally, you would contact the new owners (or the estate of the previous owners) and make an offer to purchase it. If you want to take by adverse possession, the outline is above.

Yes, but you may later be sued for trespass and ordered to remove any unauthorized structures.

Many places that still offer adverse possession would require you to "exclude" others, as if it were already your own property legally. Like any other "owner", you may have legal or violent options that depend upon the circumstances.

Being given permission to stay there generally removes the requirement of "hostility", if you're attempting "adverse possession" in states still having such a thing, meaning the "clock" for "continuous possession" (2 years, 5? 20?) wouldn't start until you are no longer permitted to be there. Your laws may vary.