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Updated over 1 year ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

9
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2
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Bruno Alhasson
2
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9
Posts

Dealing with squatters the hard way?

Bruno Alhasson
Posted

I recently bought a property in the City of Detroit from an auction, and it turns out there's a squatter there. Talked to both of the next door neighbors and apparently this lady (with kids 😮‍💨🤯) broke in and set up house only two months ago. This means that she has zero legal right to the property in any way.

According to House Bills 5069, 5070 & 5071, squatting is a crime in Michigan. Also, I would be within my rights to get in there, change the locks and make sure she won't be able to break in again.

My question is, do the police even enforce this? How likely is it that they'll even charge her for squatting? Better yet, would they be able to physically remove her themselves? This is the first time I've dealt with squatters so I am hoping to hear from people who've been there and done that. 

I am not at all willing to do a cash-for-keys deal, nor am I willing to go through the eviction process (especially in the City of Detroit). Also, I have not approached the squatters yet; I will once the deed work is done. I am just planning for the worst case scenario, since people have proven to be wildly unreasonable.

Doesnt seem like I have many options. Again, this is my first squatter situation so I would love to hear any input on how this whole situation can be handled.

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