Help! Has anyone ever had squatters take over your empty house before?

[PassingFair]

Squatters moved into my mother's old house last night.

They moved stuff in and changed the locks!

The police have been called, they said they'd come by
before 2:00, but it's 5:00 and they never showed.

The locksmith refused to re-key the house.

The house had been up for sale for about 6 months, and
the water and heat have not been shut off, so the heat
is CRANKING!

Any advice?

[progressoid]

1. Seems like a job for the police to me.

[Lex]

2. Call the police again.

And go over there and wait until the police show up.

[PeaceNikki]

3. Wow.

That's horrible and sad.

Have you approached them in any way?

[PassingFair]

4. My mother and my husband are headed here to find the

deed, et. al on the house and to go to the precinct
to see if there is anything that can be done.

[Lex]

6. The police should ask the trespassers to show proof they have

permission to be in the house (like a lease). If they can't, they are trespassing.

[PassingFair]

10. That would be great, except the police haven't SHOWN UP.

I'm trying to call them now.

[Lex]

14. Sometimes you have to keep calling

until you annoy them to the point that they go over.

[PeaceNikki]

8. I would hope something can be done.

I've read recent articles about people who are intentionally helping the homeless find empty homes in which to squat. Interestingly, this article claims it's a civil, not a criminal violation: http://www.thesite.org/homelawandmoney/home/tenancyrights/squatting

But, I have to believe that there is criminal trespassing and unlawful entry involved...

[PassingFair]

13. A friend of mine has told me that if we don't get them out FAST...

that they will have "established residence",
and we will have to legally EVICT them, which
could take 6 months or more.

I wish the cops would answer....

[PeaceNikki]

16. eek

Good luck... keep us posted!

:hug:

[Jamastiene]

52. Remember that movie Pacific Heights...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Heights_(1990_film)

It's true. People do this. They are scam artists.

[LaraMN]

5. People actually do that?

Wtf?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

7. Can you have the water and heat shut off?

[PeaceNikki]

9. In Michigan?

I think that could lead to frozen pipes and damage.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

12. Good point. I didn't check to see where you were.

But if you shut off the water first, then the heat, the pipes wouldn't freeze.

[PassingFair]

33. I called the water emergency number and they are...

going over tomorrow to turn off the water.

They won't do it, though, if someone there tells
them not to.

:crazy:

We'll have to see if the cops show up tonight,
or if the squatters come back.

[Shakespeare]

40. You might consider calling someone in the media.

The fact that you can't get the police to respond to somebody essentially stealing your home might be interesting to them.

I'm just stunned at the hubris of it. Shades and curtains? Damn.

[PassingFair]

42. It makes me think they know what they're doing...

and that CAN'T be good.

I have Friday off work, so if they're not out
by then, I'll probably get my brothers together
and see if we can do anything to get the police
to get them out.

[Iggo]

68. Shutting off the heat in Michigan in winter...

...may be as against the law as shutting off the electricity (think air-conditioning) in Palm Springs.

I'm no expert, but my guess is yer not allowed to kill 'em. But that's just a guess.

[PassingFair]

74. It wouldn't be "killing" them. They COULD leave. n/t

[SacredCow]

11. I'm guessing you'll probably have to let the law enforcement take care of it....

but like an earlier poster, I'm curious if you've spoken with them? How does one justify this?

[PassingFair]

15. They drove up while my husband was looking at the locks....

drove around the block a few times and then left.

The neighbor pointed them out to my husband.

[SacredCow]

17. I'm a little curious as to why the locksmith wouldn't change the locks at your request, too...

a lot of strange things with this scenario... Hope it all works out!

[PassingFair]

19. My mom took off as soon as the neighbors told her someone had moved in.

They wanted to congratulate her on selling the house!

She bolted out the door and because she didn't have
keys to the house, the locksmith would not re-key,
he said he didn't want to get involved and took off.
She didn't take any paperwork with her, either.

Shes back now, and I'm still on hold for the
"non-emergency" police....

[SacredCow]

20. Perhaps the squatters re-keyed it themeselves?

They must have broken something to get in, though. Again- hope you get them out immediately!

[PassingFair]

21. The squatters DID rekey it.

That's why my mother can't get in.

[Lars39]

34. She needs to take the paperwork to the police station,

and get in somebody's face.

[PassingFair]

36. She's going to go in tomorrow morning ...

Latest news: I just heard that they put up SHADES AND CURTAINS!!

My mom sez they look "nice".

[Lars39]

39. Good grief!!!

Might need the number of a good lawyer,too. <shaking head>

[PassingFair]

41. A friend of mine who lives in a much more dangerous area

...of the city says they deal with squatters on
his block EVERY DAY.

He has personally gotten involved several times
because many of them are very dangerous.

He says they move in and start "shooting
things up" so that no one will dare to mess
with them...

A lot of abandoned homes in his neighborhood,
so the neighbors themselves have to get the
squatters evicted, and it takes time and money.

I hope it won't come to that with my mom's house.
It JUST happened last night, and she can prove
that she owns the house, so....

[Lars39]

43. Sad to see things devolve and disintegrate like that.

Hope ya'll are able to get this resolved quickly and peacefully.

[PassingFair]

44. I'll update tomorrow, or tonight, if the police call...

thanks!

:)

[Shakespeare]

18. That's kind of horrifying.

I have no other advice than what's been offered here (and the getting them out fast is important), but please keep us updated.

[LeftyMom]

22. I've had to deal with it in a rental I was managing.

It was just some teenagers with a couple of sleeping bags, backpacks, pot and porn though. If they changed the locks it sounds like you've got a much more coordinated operation on your hands.

Do you have a community policing unit that just focuses on your specific neighborhood? I'd call them directly if you do. If not call the cops back and tell them you went to go check the situation out again and you smelled a funny, chemical smell. They'll be right over if you make it sound like they may be setting up a lab.

[PassingFair]

23. It's the City of Detroit.

They won't even answer the phone..


:eyes:

[LeftyMom]

24. I know how that goes.

This property was right on the edge of the city/county border, so even though I knew damned well which side it was on and called the appropriate number, most of the time they'd tell me I was wrong and tell me to call the other. :eyes:

[justabob]

28. did you call 911 first and get pushed off to non-emergency?

i'd go the 911 route especially since squatting has a time component, or I think it does.

[PassingFair]

29. (see post 27, below...)

My mom is a basket case!

[justabob]

31. Sorry I missed that

I can imagine being a basket case.... what a nightmare. People jokingly(usually) talk about squatting over in GD, but when you realize what it actually does to the people that own the properties... not so much. I am so sorry y'all have to deal with this.

[leeroysphitz]

45. You should call Wayne County Sheriffs DPT. This sounds more their speed anyhow.

Forget about DPD. Good Luck.

[PassingFair]

47. Didn't think about THAT!

My husband's friend works for the Sheriff's brother.

He's dialing him now...

Thanks!

[Zuiderelle]

25. What a nightmare.

After thinking about it though, I wouldn't be surprised if it starts happening more often. Especially if the police don't even do anything about it.

How horrible... they re-keyed the locks, so now the house cannot even be shown by realtors. Seriously, WTF... and why won't the police do anything? Just awful.

[PassingFair]

27. They just took over last night.

I just got off the phone with the 911 police...
they told me it was low priority and that they
would send a car over when they get to it...

:eyes:

I don't know whether to drive over to the
house and sit there in my car or not...


They said that if the squatters are there, they'll
"remove" them.

I don't think they will...how will they be able to
tell if they're "squatters"??

[Zuiderelle]

30. If you do go there, make sure you bring other people with you.

I don't think I would do it though. These are desperate times, it would be too big a risk to put your life in danger going there. Wait to see what the police do. If they've done nothing after a couple of days, go to the local news.

[Sequoia]

32. If they were renters being evicted the sheriff would've been there already.

Yet squatters are low priority??!!!! Maybe have all your friends and family show up, like a posse and surround the house? Put the fear of God in 'em!

[jberryhill]

35. how will they be able to tell if they're "squatters"

Easy.

By their posture:

[PassingFair]

37. Isn't it a STRANGE word?

:rofl:

Felons!

[SacredCow]

53. Reminds me of an urban legend....

A guy hears people breaking into his detached garage and calls the cops. They tell him that it's a low priority because he's not actually in danger. They don't have anybody available but will send somebody when they do. He's mad but hangs up and waits 2 minutes and calls them back. "Never mind. I just shot them. It's all OK now," he says. Police are there in minutes, and none too pleased. "I thought you said you shot them," says the officer. "I thought you said you had nobody available."

[crim son]

26. I'm totally furious on your behalf.

I'd be at the police station right now, if I were in your shoes (except I wouldn't because I have no car). Turning off the water is a great idea, but man, I'd want a quicker, i.e. IMMEDIATE solution. Why is there no local police station? The concern about having these folks establish residency is real. I wish you luck. :grr:

[PassingFair]

38. The entire City of Detroit has only 6 precincts.

They are NOT putting out any APB's
on this....

[merh]

46. Go to the precinct nearest to the house with the deeds and proof

that your mother owns it, ask to file criminal trespass charges against whoever it is living there.

See if that gets any action.

[crim son]

59. Assholes.

I find that incredible. So sorry!

[Blarch]

48. Fuck that.

Call the police and tell them there is a robbery in progress, and if they don't show up there will be an assault in progress.

If you own the house go tell the people you will fucking shoot them in the fucking face if they don't get the fuck out. You are allowed to shoot people that break into your house. It's called self defense. Personally I would just kick the door in and let my dogs go at it. Those fuckers know that they have broken and entered into somebody's house.

[KitchenWitch]

54. Technically there IS a robbery in progress. It is called theft of services.

[Blarch]

55. Then kick the door in and tell em ...

Leave now or die now.

Motherfuckers would rue the day they took my house and changed the locks.

[KitchenWitch]

56. I was just pointing out to the OP that her mom may have the recourse

by claiming "theft of services". May make the police act faster.

[crim son]

60. Isn't that ridiculous?

I mean, these people are stealing a house, fer crissakes, but the police don't care unless you claim "theft of services." Backward.

[Whoa_Nelly]

62. Absolutely right, KW

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theft_of_services

These people committed B&E, took illegal ownership, and are using services (gas, water, electricity) for which there is no agreement to repay the owner.

Sure hope this is resolved! Can't even imagine the stress of it all!

Many hugs to PassingFair and family! :hug: :grouphug: :hug:

[Blue_Tires]

64. +1

i endorse this course of action....and i clicked into this thread thinking it was a homeless guy with a sleeping bag

[northernlights]

49. I would call the sheriff

since the police aren't doing anything. I would also go down to the police station in the morning and file a trespassing complaint in writing.

I would also check into the local laws, not rely on what someone told me or I'd heard, regarding establishing residency, getting rid of squatters, etc.

And maybe try to get some pictures or video of them, if possible.

[arcadian]

50. Bart Carny

Great episode.

[Jamastiene]

51. Have all utilities shut off.

Call the police again and tell them there has been a break-in.

[Lil Missy]

57. If Police don't address this tonight, I'd shut the water off first thing in the morning.

I can understand wanting to keep the heat on to prevent busted pipes. Is the heat gas or electric? Is it possible to turn off the service that does not involve the heat?

For example, if the heat is electric, but the stove is a gas hookup, turning off the gas would cause them some additional hardship.

I'd get rid of them ASAP though.

[Wapsie B]

58. This is ridiculous. I hope you can resolve this soon.

These squatters need to be in jail.

[JanMichael]

61. Are they homeless folks that just need a place to hang?

Look, I am NOT trying to be an asswipe. go to GD and look at the number of DUers that are either homeless, or getting ready to be.

Are the people in your house really horrible criminals? Or is it just someone trying to get through the winter the only way possible?

Is there another solution if this is the case?

[KitchenWitch]

65. They had the means to get the locks re-keyed.

I am thinking these are not "run of the mill" homeless folks, but someone with more sinister ideas in mind.

[pecwae]

73. That's entirely possible

and should be considered. Times are hard.

[PassingFair]

75. Of course we don't want to go in there shooting...

but the answer is NOT having my 73 year old mother
paying $500/month heating and electric bills for
them, either!

Seems they are a group of squatters, as the
squatter's sister is "renting" the house a
across the street!

The squatters moved back in with her mother
last night....

[1]

63. get the utilities turned off asap. once that's done go to the house...

(with some backup) and open an outdoor spigot to dump the water pressure (open the valve and run away). it will take only a minute and it will pretty much remove busted pipes from the equation. without power, heat and water a house is much less desirable.

remember, if these people are smart, all they really have to do is stop by an office supply store and purchase a local standard lease agreement, fill in a few items with an ink pen, and they have enough ammo to stop police from taking any action until you can prove them wrong. that can take a while. if you keep them warm, lighted and hydrated during this period it will be tougher on you.


also remember, it is your house. you can legally break in with a few big friends if you want to get up close and personal about "discussing" the matter with them.

the longer this goes on the more damage you will have to repair.

good luck.

[1]

71. too late to edit my post, but to update...

a friend reminded me that my advise about opening a spigot would probably be unnecessary. your "guests" will more than likely flush a toilet or turn on a faucet in the house and accomplish this task for you.

unpressurized pipes will not burst. and with the water turned off there could be no water damage.

so turn the water off first, let them clear the pipes, then a day or so later turn off all others utilities.



and to anyone that thinks i'm being harsh in my advise has never been through this. there are many fine homeless folks. there are also many horrible people looking to exploit a situation that can cause tremendous damage to a property in their wake. these guys sound like the latter to me.

[Kali]

66. squatting - adverse possession

varies with location - usually requires a fair amount of time (30 days to 6 months) but one of the ways to gain title is to openly occupy the property in question. Use all measures and documentation to get rid of these people.

[Yukari Yakumo]

67. Follow Post #53's lead

If the police still won't come (they won't), tell them if they don't come in 30 minutes, they have to so they can carry away the bodies.

If they don't take the bluff, round up a posse and deal with them Old West style. And everyone needs to come armed, preferably heavily so.

[JVS]

69. Call the cops

[JVS]

70. If the cops don't work out, do you have any organized crime connections?

[firedupdem]

72. I had a friend in detroit (i'm sure this happens in other places too)

buy a house about 3 years ago. The closing was on tuesday and she planned to move in on saturday. The friday night before moving day she was so excited she decided to drive by her new place and sure enough a family was in there! Furniture....kids...the works. She rang the doorbell and a lady answered and she asked her why she was there and let her know she owned the house.

The lady cried and begged to stay just through the holidays. Said they were evicted and had no place to go....broke in that house and moved in their shit! My friend called the police and they were removed.

Amazing...unfortunately we'll see more of this with all the foreclosed and abandoned houses sitting around.

[PassingFair]

76. Squatters evicted last night. See SQUATTER UPDATE thread.

Thanks everyone!

:hug: