Vacant properties can quickly become a target for squatters, creating costly and time-consuming problems for landlords, property managers, and investors. Understanding what a squatter is, how squatter rights work, and how to avoid squatters in your rental or vacant property will help you stay ahead of potential issues. This guide covers prevention strategies, eviction processes, and how Showami can help you monitor your properties from anywhere.
What Is a Squatter?
Many landlords, property managers, and investors ask: what is a squatter? A squatter is someone who occupies a property without the owner’s permission. Unlike a paying tenant, squatters do not have a lease agreement or legal right to live in the property. However, if they remain long enough, they may attempt to claim legal protections through squatter rights. That’s why prevention and early action are critical for protecting your property.
Squatter Rights
One of the biggest frustrations is the issue of squatter rights. In many states, squatters who live in a property continuously for a specific period of time may attempt to gain legal ownership through adverse possession laws. These timelines vary by state, but the longer a squatter remains in place, the more complicated and expensive it can become to remove them. Acting quickly is always the best strategy to protect your rental property.
Squatters vs. Trespassers
When it comes to property security, it’s important to understand the difference between squatters vs. trespassers. A trespasser may enter a vacant home to steal or vandalize property without any intention of living there. In most cases, dealing with a trespasser is straightforward—calling your local police department is often enough to have them removed.
A squatter, however, is a different situation. Unlike trespassers, squatters often plan to move into a vacant property and may even survey neighborhoods in advance to identify homes that appear unoccupied. If they live in the property for a long enough period of time, they may attempt to claim legal ownership through squatter rights or adverse possession laws. This is why identifying and addressing squatters quickly is so important for landlords and property owners.
How to Prevent Squatters
Landlords, property managers, and investors often ask: how to prevent squatters and keep their properties safe. Whether it’s a rental, a vacation home, or an investment property sitting vacant, prevention comes down to three key strategies: regular monitoring, strong security measures, and making the property appear occupied.
Monitor Properties Regularly
Vacant properties that go unchecked for long periods are prime targets for squatters. The longer a squatter remains unnoticed, the harder and more expensive it becomes to remove them. Regular property check-ins help catch early warning signs before the situation escalates.
With Showami Property Tasks, you can request licensed real estate agents to conduct property checks on your behalf. This is especially valuable for out-of-state landlords, investors managing multiple properties, or property managers who can’t physically visit every property on a regular basis.
Strengthen Property Security
Strong security is one of the most effective ways to prevent squatters. Properties equipped with surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and doorbell cameras send a clear signal that the home is being monitored. Reinforcing locks, securing all doors and windows, and posting “No Trespassing” signs provide added protection. These steps make your property much less vulnerable to unauthorized entry.
Make It Look Occupied
Squatters often target homes that look abandoned or empty for longer periods of time. By creating the impression that someone is living there, you make your property seem less appealing to potential squatters. Motion-sensor lights, maintained landscaping, collected mail, and even parking a car in the driveway occasionally all help create the appearance of occupancy. These small efforts can go a long way toward discouraging unwanted attention.
How to Evict a Squatter
If prevention fails, property owners need to know how to evict a squatter properly. The first step is to review your state’s landlord-tenant laws to understand the eviction requirements in your area, since rules vary widely. In many cases, local law enforcement can help document the situation, but the actual removal is usually handled through the courts. The process typically begins with serving an official eviction notice and, if the squatter refuses to leave, filing a formal eviction lawsuit.
With Showami’s Platinum subscription and Property Management Pro accounts, you can take advantage of the Property Tasks feature to request a licensed agent to post an eviction notice on your behalf. This service is especially valuable for out-of-state property managers with multiple rentals to oversee. By having a Showami agent handle this step, you can ensure the notice is delivered properly and keep the eviction process moving forward without delays.
It’s also important not to take matters into your own hands by changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities. These actions may seem like quick solutions but can create legal problems for you as the property owner.
How Long Can It Take to Evict a Squatter?
One of the most common concerns is: how long can it take to evict a squatter? Unfortunately, the answer depends on state laws and the complexity of the situation. In some cases, the process may be resolved in just a few weeks, while in others it can stretch into several months. Delays are more likely if the squatter fights the eviction or attempts to claim squatter rights. That’s why recognizing the presence of squatters early and taking immediate action is so critical. The faster you respond, the sooner you can regain control of your property and avoid costly setbacks.
Final Thoughts
Preventing squatters is far easier than dealing with the legal and financial headaches of eviction. By monitoring your properties regularly, strengthening security, and making vacant homes look occupied, landlords, property managers, and investors can greatly reduce their risk.
If prevention fails, knowing how to evict a squatter and acting quickly is essential. With the right strategies in place, you may never need to reach that point. With Showami’s Property Tasks, you can request licensed agents to perform property checks or even post eviction notices on your behalf. This keeps your investments protected and gives you peace of mind.
Take proactive steps today to protect your rentals and investment properties. The best way to handle squatters is to prevent them altogether.