This article suggest a squatter “epidemic”? Isn’t that trespassing?

It is trespassing, but as is noted in the article it’s tough to prove.

Here’s the scenario: Bank forecloses on the property and the FB moves out ahead of the eviction notice. An enterprising squatter finds the house just after the FBs have left but before the lender’s foreclosure representative arrives to secure the premises. The squatter uses a public library internet connection to place an ad in Craigslist or the newspaper advertising the house for rent with a phone number going back to a pre-paid cell. The squatter prints off a rental agreement form off the internet and fills it out with a fake landlord’s name and some first-last-security deposit info that basically gives them 3 months worth of rent on the place.

By the time the bank’s reps finally do get around to the place, the squatter can get the utilities turned on, furniture moved in and establish themselves as just another tenant. They have a rental agreement in hand and they can portray themselves as the victim of a scam rather than as a criminal trespass. Who could prove any different and how would they go about doing it?

It is trespassing, but as is noted in the article it’s tough to prove.

Here’s the scenario: Bank forecloses on the property and the FB moves out ahead of the eviction notice. An enterprising squatter finds the house just after the FBs have left but before the lender’s foreclosure representative arrives to secure the premises. The squatter uses a public library internet connection to place an ad in Craigslist or the newspaper advertising the house for rent with a phone number going back to a pre-paid cell. The squatter prints off a rental agreement form off the internet and fills it out with a fake landlord’s name and some first-last-security deposit info that basically gives them 3 months worth of rent on the place.

By the time the bank’s reps finally do get around to the place, the squatter can get the utilities turned on, furniture moved in and establish themselves as just another tenant. They have a rental agreement in hand and they can portray themselves as the victim of a scam rather than as a criminal trespass. Who could prove any different and how would they go about doing it?

Thanks for the explanation Bugs.
It would be discouraging to pursue an eviction but I think if the deposits cannot be traced back to a authentic landlord, that would make the squatter suspect. Then maybe they could be charged with trespassing.

Add a dash of Identity theft and you have a brand new “industry” in usurping REO properties. But, if people live in it and prevent it from becoming mosquito breeding ground/vice den, is it too bad?

Add a dash of Identity theft and you have a brand new “industry” in usurping REO properties. But, if people live in it and prevent it from becoming mosquito breeding ground/vice den, is it too bad?

I’m a legal squatter and feel nothing wrong about living in my home rent free! If these lender are stupid enough lend money to a girl that is a single mom with two children, no assets, money and job??? Then hell I will live here and add the monthly rent to my savings I have been putting away for 10 years as a renter. Which is now closely matching a good 20% percent down as prices decline.

As a legal squatter I’m having the lawn cut weekly, watering the grass and taking care of the plants and roses. Home is cleaned everyday windows are wiped. In fact the other day I had the outside of the home pressure washed.

For years I watch people make thousands on homes they bought for a month. Now I can handle a little free rent!