Squatter's Rights: Laws and Tips for all 50 States
https://learn.eforms.com/real-estate/squatters-rights/
Step 1 – Occupy the Property Step 1 – Occupy the Property
A claimant seeking adverse possession will need to occupy the property for the statutory limit. This should be an abandoned or otherwise unused property that the claimant is not trespassing in the traditional sense. Most adverse possession cases that are won is when the claimant occupies the property in good faith, meaning, they believed the property was theirs.Step 2 – Take Possession Step 2 – Take Possession
If a claimant is taking possession they should put up a fence and have “dominion over the property.” This means to act as if the claimant truly owns the property and to use it for its intention. For example, if it’s land, to build a structure on it and make it their home. The possession must take place on a “constant basis” for the .Step 3 – Pay Taxes on the Property Step 3 – Pay Taxes on the Property
The claimant should do everything they can to act as they are the owner including the payment of property taxes and any other local utilities. To start paying taxes on the property, contact the local tax collector, and find out if the taxes are being paid. In addition, if there are any liens they should be paid, although, if the claimant believes they may not obtain rights to the property they may not want to pay the property taxes and liens.Step 4 – Find the Owner Step 4 – Find the Owner
When the has been reached, the claimant should contact the local tax assessor or registry of deeds to find out the owner’s name. This information will be needed when filing a case against them for the property.Step 5 – File a Lawsuit (sue the owner) Step 5 – File a Lawsuit (sue the owner)
When filing a lawsuit the claimant is going to file a “quiet title” which is a filing in the local property court to decide the rightful owner of a property. It’s recommended to hire an attorney to file in the local court and also prepare a complaint for the purpose of adverse possession.
Getting Rid of Squatters
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