How To Keep Your Home Safe From Squatters

Becoming Squatters, How Life Can Suddenly Change — (Photo : Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) SEVILLE, SPAIN - JUNE 01: Thirty-three year old Vanessa Arias Fernandez (L), who were evicted from her home together with her family, sits in the living room with her children, seven-year-old Yeray and her five-year-old twins Kiomara and Tatiana, lit by the yellow street lights, at her apartment, which is part of a complex occupied by the Corrala Utopia community on June 1, 2013 in Seville, Spain.In 2010 Spanish banks foreclosed more than 100,000 households which contributed to the already large number of empty houses. With as many as one million properties unsold, victims of Spain's financial crisis, struggling to keep a roof over their head due to high levels of unemployment and severe cuts to social welfare, have turned to squatting in the empty buildings. The Corrala Utopia is a community, on a steadily growing list of communities all over Spain, living in squatted buildings. In this case the building stood empty for three years before the squatters moved in almost a year ago. The community houses a total of 36 families including almost 40 children. The families are cut off from water and electricity and live with an uncertain future and the fear of being evicted soon again. For the first time in history over 6 million Spaniards are jobless in Spain, the euro zone's fourth-biggest economy.

Squatting is on the rise across the country. In the city of New York, for example, police officers arrested homeowner Adele Andaloro after she attempted to remove squatters from her property.

Protecting your home from squatters is essential to maintain its security and integrity. Squatting can lead to legal complications and property damage, making prevention crucial.

With that in mind, here are things you can do to prevent squatters from taking over your property.

What Is a Squatter?

A squatter is an individual who occupies a property without the owner's permission or legal right to do so. Squatting typically occurs in vacant or abandoned properties, and squatters may attempt to establish legal occupancy rights through adverse possession laws.

Keeping Your Home Safe From Squatters

Improve Your Home Security System

Install a comprehensive home security system that includes alarms, surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and smart locks. Additionally, you should consider reinforcing your windows with security bars to prevent squatters from getting access to your home, especially if your home is on street level. Visible security measures can deter potential squatters and alert you to any unauthorized entry attempts.

Make the Home Look Occupied

Keep up appearances to make the property look occupied even when it's vacant. Use timers to switch lights on and off, arrange for mail and packages to be collected regularly, and maintain the exterior of the property, including landscaping and lawn care.

Conduct Regular Property Inspections

Routinely inspect the property to identify any signs of unauthorized entry or occupation. Look for broken windows, forced entry points, or signs of habitation, such as makeshift bedding or personal belongings left behind.

If you live too far away for regular check-ins, get help from trusted neighbors or nearby friends to inspect your property and report any suspicious behavior.

Learn What You Need To Do To Remove Squatters

Familiarize yourself with the legal procedures for removing squatters in your jurisdiction. This may involve filing an eviction lawsuit or trespassing charges, depending on local laws and regulations. Consult with legal professionals to understand your rights and obligations as a property owner.

Keep Copies of Important Documents

Maintain copies of property ownership documents, lease agreements, and utility bills as proof of ownership and occupancy. Having documentation readily available can help expedite legal proceedings in the event of a squatter occupation.