Squatters - Landlord Forum thread 348810

Squatters by Libby (PA) on October 17, 2016 @15:44

I had a tenant move out in the middle of the night. He gave someone elese the keys and they moved in. Do I have to go through the eviction process or have the police come and arrest them? To start with I am going to have thier cars towed from my lot.

[ Reply ] [ Return to forum ]

Re: Squatters by Anonymous on October 17, 2016 @16:48	[ Reply ]

sure, tow their cars and face an ugly lawsuit. you have to go thru eviction process, not self help!

Re: Squatters

Re: Squatters by Garry on October 17, 2016 @18:00	[ Reply ]

Why don't you hold off on towing the cars. You need to talk to an attorney about the situation first. Since keys were freely given by your former tenant, to the "squatter" who now has possession, you will probably have to go thru the formal eviction process to get them out, even if you don't know who they are. Has rent been paid for Oct? If not, start by giving a 3 day notice to the former T, at that address. Put the Ts name, "and all current occupants" on the notice. Again, check with an attorney, so you don't mess something up. The cars are the least of your worries.

Re: Squatters

Re: Squatters by Anonymous on October 19, 2016 @21:01	[ Reply ]

Have you thought about just blocking their cars in?

Re: Squatters by Micah on October 20, 2016 @13:52	[ Reply ]

Possession of the unit has not been returned to you by the tenant so the tenant has not vacated the property by law. You need to send a pay or quit letter to the (formerish) tenant "and all others". Follow that up with a formal eviction if it doesn't resolve itself. Make sure the tenant of record realizes that all damage done by their "guest" and rent owed on the unit ongoing is on them. It's like getting a rental car and then giving the keys to a friend. Responsibility to pay is still on the first person and is ongoing until it is returned.

Re: Squatters