How to Deter Squatters?

[Tricia Vitela]

Hi, All! We have recently acquired two properties that are one block in from a fairly busy street, and we’ve had multiple issues with squatters - different people every time. The police have been great about clearing the property for us when we call, but I’d like to proactively deter squatters from even coming around. We’re about to start renovations, and I’m concerned about looting destroying our progress. What are the best strategies you’ve found to discourage breaking/entering and squatting?

[Karen F.]

Our first property was in a terrible area (hubby chose it - I was busy out earning the money).  A local man I knew advised us to completely board up the ground floor windows, to make it very difficult to break into.  Then hubby and his workman were in the property 12-16 hrs/day, working on the first floor in the dark, until they got water, gas, electric ready to go on, so heat, light, a working bathroom.  Then we let a man who was between houses (no kids, divorcing, no money, but a known quantity) live in it for free while they did 2nd and 3rd floors.  Then finished the first floor.  The babysitter moved from unit to unit as necessary.  It was never unoccupied after we started the renovations.  After that, of course, it had tenants in it.  We did the same with other buildings we bought, in slightly better areas.  In fact, I've seen stripped houses (appliances, copper, even furnaces) in fancy neighborhoods.  It also helps if you can establish a relationship with the neighbors, maybe give them a job mowing the lawn, or shoveling, so that they have a stake in the property, and will keep an eye on it.