I am conducting a survey for a boundary adjustment between two neighbors for my client. My client is one of the neighbors. The adjustment will add ten acres from a larger parcel of about seventy acres for my client.
In the midst of the survey I encountered a squatter’s hobo encampment. Talking to him was a mistake. He called the police, and when they arrived they advised me to leave.
When I told the client and the owner they both seemed to know about it. The client even told me about the guy, saying I would probably see some of his stuff. Well, it’s more than stuff; he is living there. And of course, they told me about this after I received a retainer and agreed to conduct the survey.
Today the owner called to say he talked with the squatter, and he agreed to let me continue the survey. They think that after the survey is complete they will do something about it.
I think the squatter needs to be evicted before I go back or I could try to continue with a police detail. Otherwise I am done, and they can have their money back. It is too dangerous to go by the word of the squatter who nearly became violent at our first encounter.
Would you go back?
Historic boundaries and conservation efforts.
Sneak in on Sunday morning while the squatter is at The First Squatter Church of Hermitville. 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣
Seriously, I would insist on both property owners accompanying me as I complete the field work. Non-negotiable.
I keep a box of milk bones in the truck for dealing with mean dogs. Maybe something similar would work here. “Hey buddy here’s $20 why don’t you go to town for a few hours and get yourself a burger?” Or maybe some heroine but that’s not really your problem.
@david-baalman Give him a big white cowboy hat, too. That will help him get the heroine, in the end, as the sun sets in the West. 😀 😀 😀
What kind of whack ass situation do they have going on where the owner has to ask the squatter for permission to visit the property?!
Sounds like this squatter is actually a tenant.
@bstrand I was curious about removing a squatter and found this from google:
- Serve a Notice to Quit: Provide the squatter with an official notice detailing the requirement to vacate the premises.
File a Lawsuit: If they do not leave, file a Summary Process Action (eviction) in the appropriate Massachusetts court.
Obtain a Court Order: Win the case in court to receive an execution document.
Use a Sheriff: Hire a sheriff or constable to officially and legally enforce the physical eviction. [1, 2, 3]
@bstrand indeed. And if they knew about this, why no tell me.
Historic boundaries and conservation efforts.
@not-my-real-name I agree you should not go back until after he's been evicted, or the client agrees to pay for a police detail to keep you safe. You shouldn't have to suffer for someone else's dumb-ass approach to the situation.
Four years ago was the last time I made the mistake of not firing a client who purposely didn't tell me an important detail of the work. Obviously, each situation will vary, but your client is at least showing poor judgment and may be showing a lack of concern for your safety. While I have sympathy for those with mental illnesses and/or severe addictions to hard drugs, they represent a real threat to you. Even if you don't pull the plug on this (which you should), it's a risk factor that you should be generously compensated for.
Client leaves out a key detail like that, I'm asking myself what else did they not divulge.
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
Squatters - more or less an everyday thing in the Portland area. The police would be unlikely to respond unless there was actual physical violence. Most are a danger only to themselves and, sometimes, to your stuff. But there are exceptions.
Helped the County Sheriff one time to determine if a large group of squatters were in the City or in the County. This was a case where certain parts of certain lots in an old addition to the City had been de-annexed. Technically, they were squatting in the City and in the County as there was such a large group spread over a fairly large area. I did not need to do any true fieldwork. One of the County Commissioners was also the pastor of a little church about a block from the encampment. He and some of his parishioners delivered food and other needed items to them so was knowledgeable as to the locations.
Just saw this in the morning paper:
@holy-cow sorry about that. Basically MD has had some issues with people going on extended vacations and come back to find someone living in their home. And the squatters had all the rights.
Some involved a fraudulent tile and it was taking months to get cleared up and get people out.
These two bills don't fix everything but give some teeth as it's now a felony, but the police are still not sure what to do.
Here is a PDF
Damn. That is wrong on so many levels.
I'm sure there's some sneaky way to run them off. Milk a skunk and absolutely douse the place, or find a way to use music or lights where they can't destroy the equipment, etc.