Bad Neighbor Stories...

[Petrolhead]

Mine bad male neighbor ask me in front of his wife, friends and others how many people smoking cigarette in the build because someone smokes weed and smell. That era I smoke tobacco mix with weed in my home...
I told him I don't know anything, what is weed, what you mean, I was trying to be a tourist to his eyes, no understand at all.
Now I'm vaping and everything is "ok"

 

[TeeJay1952]

Rented MIL's house after she passed. The woman who rented moved her daughter in and then moved. Kid got 6 months behind and I called to evict. That is when I found about squatter's rights and Order of Eviction from county. (Really, you only have 6 weeks to find another victim.) I was threatened by Sheriff for "Threatening Calls and Harassment."

 

[His_Highness]

Rented MIL's house after she passed. The woman who rented moved her daughter in and then moved. Kid got 6 months behind and I called to evict. That is when I found about squatter's rights and Order of Eviction from county. (Really, you only have 6 weeks to find another victim.) I was threatened by Sheriff for "Threatening Calls and Harassment."

Was the issue that you had accepted 'rent money' from her in the past which made her a renter and not a guest/squatter'? My understanding was that unless the person owning the property accepts a rent payment or signs a lease you don't have to give them the obligatory 90 days notice.

I'm very much interested in this topic because I'm considering buying an empty foreclosure that needs a bunch of work across the street. I'm also curious about whether allowing someone to stay in a property as a guest for free has a time limit before they move from guest-status to something more binding.

 

[TeeJay1952]

It was all strangers, their kids,money and then no money. For the life of me I can't figure squatter rights. Not yours usually means you don't control something. but if we have an agreement and you break it I have to wait for you to vacate at your leisure. What a country. I guess having more than one house is a great (or better) problem to have.

 

[killick]

We lived in a rural area, mixed mcmansions, rural old properties, and farm fields. On one side of us we had a young couple with 3 little girls, on a 2 acre parcel. On the other we had a crusty old 'pro rodeo hall of fame' cowboy, 4 time cancer survivor, living on a 60 acre horse boarding facility. He was also a hunting guide for bighorn sheep, using teams of horses to get to remote mountain camps. He has a billion stories about being stalked by grizzly bears at high elevations.

Anyways, one saturday we're warned by the young couple that there is going to be an outdoor birthday party, but they'd try and keep the noise down; we didn't notice - the houses weren't close, and our garage faced their property so we couldn't see anything.

2 weeks later I run into cowboy bob. We're chatting while he shoes a horse, and says 'I didn't wake you guys up on the weekend I hope?', no, why? 'Cause I got a bit drunk and was firing my .357 in the basement'... Nope, didn't hear a thing...

Anyways, both great neighbours - I'll post a bad one later

 

[Snappo]

My 91 year old next door neighbor and her 89 year old sister rolled into their driveway when a car with two occupants pulled in right behind them, got out of the car and attempted to rob them both of their purses and jewelry. The 91 year old pulled a 38 out of her purse and started firing in all directions- shot two concrete tiles off my roof. The purps fled and were later arrested. I love my neighbor!!!

 

[cybrguy]

I don't know whether to recommend that you see, or suggest that you carefully avoid seeing a movie called Pacific Heights. Michael Keaton plays the scariest renter/monster I could have ever imagined. It's fiction, but it killed dead the thought of my ever being a landlord.

 

[Snappo]

I don't know whether to recommend that you see, or suggest that you carefully avoid seeing a movie called Pacific Heights. Michael Keaton plays the scariest renter/monster I could have ever imagined. It's fiction, but it killed dead the thought of my ever being a landlord.

Being a landlord is rarely a blessing and most often a curse ..take it from me.

 

[CarolKing]

Since our neighbor doesn't have a tenant relationship with us it will cost us $2500 because we have to get a lawyer. I told my husband that we should just call the sheriff and tell them we didn't give him permission to be there. I had talked to a sheriff deputy over the phone just for info a week ago. He said since we gave him permission to be there originally, they couldnt get him off. I doubt if anything is entered down in the computer.

 

[Snappo]

Since our neighbor doesn't have a tenant relationship with us it will cost us $2500 because we have to get a lawyer. I told my husband that we should just call the sheriff and tell them we didn't give him permission to be there. I had talked to a sheriff deputy over the phone just for info a week ago. He said since we gave him permission to be there originally, they couldnt get him off. I doubt if anything is entered down in the computer.

At some point in the process it is possible that the sheriff deputy may be called to testify what he knows about the situation, and will likely convey his understanding as to what permissions may have been given per his conversation with you - his word will carry weight. He may even be duty bound to enter such testimony into evidence even after a judge may somehow grant an eventual mandatory vacating of the freeloader, consequently sending you back to square one.

 

[CarolKing]

We work hard and pay our bills and our taxes. We always follow the rules and the laws (except cannabis when it was illegal) we always try to help out in the community. The laws seem to be against the law abiding citizen where we live. I didn't realize how easy it is for anybody to overtake your land and there doesn't seem to be any recourse except to hire a lawyer. The other people that have squatted with him there can be considered his guests is what I was told. So basically we have a homeless encampment and to have them removed it will cost us thousands of dollars. It just doesn't pass the smell test to me.

 

[MinnBobber]

So basically we have a homeless encampment and to have them removed it will cost us thousands of dollars. It just doesn't pass the smell test to me.

...........................................................
Do you have any rights to store items in that building/house?
Like your new compost pile you want to protect from the elements---indoors??
Or any other rights to do something on your property that makes them want to move??

 

[FLelder ent]

The house next door had been vacant for the last 10 years. A few months ago the owner let some homeless guy move in, no running water or electricity, no car just a bicycle, he did day labor, work that he found standing in front of Home Depot. At first he was low key, but over time things changed, drug dealers came over, hookers, other homeless, homeless people parties, etc. Everybody in the surrounding neighborhood was concerned but the HOA did nothing, because the "homeowner paid his maintenance" and they did not want to be bothered. It was only when Code Enforcement started to fine the homeowner that the homeowner put the house up for sale. The house sold for $100,000 less than FMV because of the deteriorated condition, mold, mildew, no bathroom, a/c, plumbing, etc. It was purchased by investors who have had construction crews working 7 days a week for the last 6 weeks and they are still aren't done with the repairs.

 

[woolspinner]

We will look like the bad guy in all of this. It will probably all come to a point and they will have to be forced out right before Christmas and that's too bad. They said the process wil take around 20 days.

Yeah, you have to come down hard or risk losing your property. Fuck what others think. They would do the same damn thing if they were in the same situation. If someone gets in your face, ask them if they would like a full explanation and provide them with the trial transcripts.
I hate that you cannot even be a nice person without someone taking advantage anymore. I am sorry this is happening, best of luck!

 

[hd_rider]

Is there nothing that can be done legally to get the squatters to WANT to leave? Like turning loose a fire hose to wet the ground they are squatting on? Setting up loud speakers to blast them with "The Sound of Music" 24/7 ? Anything?

 

[TeeJay1952]

@hd_rider
I have learned that in this life staying out of the view of the authorities is the only way to survive. If Cops are called you usually have a high school grad forming an instant opinion and then is ready to jam it down everyone's throat. If it gets kicked up to politician, they will look at it as either a threat or opportunity and then they will push matters to their advantage. Court you say? More elected officials with axes to grind and debts to be paid. I hate to be a Negative Nelly but when I saw Les Miserables I thought the song "Look Down" summed it all up.

 

[His_Highness]

We work hard and pay our bills and our taxes. We always follow the rules and the laws (except cannabis when it was illegal) we always try to help out in the community. The laws seem to be against the law abiding citizen where we live. I didn't realize how easy it is for anybody to overtake your land and there doesn't seem to be any recourse except to hire a lawyer. The other people that have squatted with him there can be considered his guests is what I was told. So basically we have a homeless encampment and to have them removed it will cost us thousands of dollars. It just doesn't pass the smell test to me.

I don't get it....If I allow someone to park their travel trailer on my property when they are on vacation so they can visit with me and they announce 'We really like it here so we're going to stay whether you like it or not'. Sounds like in your area I can't call the police and say 'get them off my property'!? I have family and friends come stay with me for free at my house all the time. This situation implies I can't make them leave. Logically I would think they would be trespassers and the law should make them get the F out! Maybe you should call the local news station and see if this story interests anyone including the police and the squatters. OR write to the local newspaper as an editorial.....

 

[Snappo]

I don't get it....If I allow someone to park their travel trailer on my property when they are on vacation so they can visit with me and they announce 'We really like it here so we're going to stay whether you like it or not'. Sounds like in your area I can't call the police and say 'get them off my property'!? I have family and friends come stay with me for free at my house all the time. This situation implies I can't make them leave. Logically I would think they would be trespassers and the law should make them get the F out! Maybe you should call the local news station and see if this story interests anyone including the police and the squatters. OR write to the local newspaper as an editorial.....

This scenario is all-too-common, and the costly aggravating negative consequence is always the same, necessitating legal intervention. Don't expect common sense and decency to prevail. Always have a No Trespassing sign prominently posted in multiple spots on your properties, and grant no one camping or temporary stay privileges without (including and not limited to) an express notarized legal document signed by all parties stating firmly in & out "Temporary Guest" dates (open to property owner's right to modify at any time without cause), constituting absolutely no express or implied guest rights/privileges or waiver of property owner's exclusive rights to 100% control over all aspects of the property at all times hence forth in perpetuity. Sad, but essential ...just like a pre-nup. Welcome to the US of A, home of the brave, land of the brazen and free.

 

[Melting Pot]

I used to live in country everyone had 1and a half acre lots.
Me and wife wanted to get out of city.
At first it was good then we were the city folk because we took care of our home & pets. They had. A variety chickens , geese, turkeys about 40, 3 horse's. 3 dog's chained to dog house's. ASPCA commercials 24/7 just look out the Window.And when I say three horse's I remember one day looking at the thinking how can you be so fat with ribs showing. We went out of town and came back to the horse's it wasn't bloated it was pregnant. I was like great another animal for you to abuse.Oh and i forgot two goats. The dog's never got off those chains not for hurricanes, frost nothing.
So when i became disabled it was my goal to help those animals.
Called every day they couldn't ignore me.
County made them get rid of 2 horse's , goats, all chickens and two of the dogs died. They were so pissed at me they took that last dog put it by my house happened to be by daughters room.Barked 24/7 to get off that chain poor fucker.
Asked to move almost went to violence.
So i took some speakers wired to the fence ran wires in house cranked one of my 3 yr olds cd on repeat cranked it up and left for like 6 to 8 hrs when i got home the Sheriff was on the block not just for that for other reasons but eventually came to our house almost got in a fight that night to. I could go on and on about those people so glad to be away from that misery.
They were wanta be farmers. Lol
They thought they were country all they were was white trash.
Other than them usually pretty civil.

 

[woolspinner]

This scenario is all-too-common, and the costly aggravating negative consequence is always the same, necessitating legal intervention. Don't expect common sense and decency to prevail. Always have a No Trespassing sign prominently posted in multiple spots on your properties, and grant no one camping or temporary stay privileges without (including and not limited to) an express notarized legal document signed by all parties stating firmly in & out "Temporary Guest" dates, constituting absolutely no express or implied guest rights/privileges or waiver of property owner's exclusive rights to 100% control over all aspects of the property at all times hence forth in perpetuity. Sad, but essential ...just like a pre-nup. Welcome to the US of A, home of the brave, brazen, and free.

Yes.

I thought it was odd when I moved from Oregon to Illinois that rental agreements did NOT include a clause about any guests staying more than 14 days must sign the lease. Then I found out the reason it was on the Oregon standard rental agreement was due to Oregon's laws regarding squatter's rights. It varies from state to state, but @Snappo has it right.

If you own a large property, you must check it regularly to ensure no one DOES drive up and park a mobile home or pitch a tent and stay because,depending on your state laws, they may gain squatter's rights and in some cases be able to obtain your land through possession and maintenance.

I have heard of people having to move out of their own apartments because the "friend" they allowed to crash in the extra bedroom simply refused to leave.

 

[killick]

A couple of houses ago we had some hillbilly neighbors on one side. They had an untrained rottweiler who liked to charge people on our side of the fence and generally be a nuisance. They put a bark collar on it, but just for an hour as 'it doesn't seem fair for the dog not to be able to bark'... Anyways...

They used to buy it stuffed animals at the dollar store to chew up and play with. They got a Shepard pup for company for the rotty. One morning I look out the back window. It's like Christmas in July, their entire back yard was full of white fluff... Rotty taught Shep how to destroy a stuffed toy, and Shep took it a step further and took every throw pillow, couch cushion and bed pillow he could find, took it outside and beat the stuffing out of it.

 

[His_Highness]

@Snappo - @woolspinner. Geez...this is a nightmare! I've had church going friends who have taken in parishioners down on their luck. I was always impressed by that kind of thing but always wondered how they do it because I wouldn't even consider it. I'd be more inclined to give them a few bucks to find a place than stay with me for any length of time. Aside from the lack of privacy....I could never take someone in for a long stint because 'fish and company stink after just 5 days'. Now I have an excuse for being such a horrible person when it comes to visitors.

@CarolKing - So sorry you have to go through this. I hope those folks get everything they deserve and then some. More importantly I hope you do too and quickly.

 

[RUDE BOY]

Also Never Ever let Anyone who doesn't actually live there receive Mail at your house or use your address for a state ID or drivers license, Here in Florida at least that gives 'em the legal right to live with you at that address too.

 

[killick]

So does anyone with squatters on their land live near wildlife? Maybe it's time to invest $20 on fish scraps, and go chum around buddys camper... Grizzlies *love* fish, scraps or no...

 

[Snappo]

Sorry to report, but blasting loud music intentionally, cutting off power and water, etc., will be considered undue harassment, retaliation, denial of privacy and entitled enjoyment and safety, and will be taken adversely against the property owner in a court. Matter of fact, you are exposed to heavy liabilities if any physical harm or claimed psychological distress comes to the freeloaders while on your property. Might want to look into additional insurance coverage. BTW: Most insurance companies nowadays won't insure any portion of a homeowners property if there are non-family person/occupants being claimed by either party to be living on the property. You may also be at risk for cancellation of your policy if undisclosed or disclosed persons are discovered or claimed to be living on your property. Best bet is to keep your distance, keep your cool, and ride it out through the whole ridiculous legal process. From a distance, take copious pictures and videos of their activities, any hostile or threatening gestures or comments made towards you & yours, personal property inventory showing their content and condition, and any damages or harmful activities that are possibly or actually causing harm to your property. These damages may be assessed against them. Keep a journal and document everything.