Advice For Dealing With Squatters In Adjacent Property?

[Lucas S.]

Would appreciate any advice on this situation or if anyone can point out other options I might have to get the squatters out of the property next door?.

Background: I purchased a forclosure townhouse (used as rental and currently primary residence) that was attached to a low income housing unit (middle townhouse) in Fairfax, VA. The initially we only really had to deal with more people living there then should be (taking our parking etc. . ) but no real personal issues with the people. About 3 years ago the property went into forclosure and the "owners" moved out. However the owners "cousins" moved back in a couple months later and were there for 2.5 years on and off with lots of people coming and going (found out they weren't paying anything to live there). Still no real problems other then dealing with parking conflicts occationaly and them not really taking care of the property. A couple months ago a new older couple moved in as well and shortly after everyone but this couple left. The water got cut off and the lady has been going around the neighborhood getting water from people for the last month or so, the property smells terrible there is constant alcohol going in and out of the property, druken abusive fights, etc. . . Obviously not a good situation and my wife doesn't feel safe in the property anymore.

I went to courthouse to get records on property and surprise they have multiple tax, HOA, etc. . leins on the property. The worst part though is that the banks didn't do their due diligence and look at the restrictive covenants governing the low income housing, so owner was able to take out 200% of the value of the property in loans above what he originally paid. Ie surouding properties are worth ~300k, but this one is only ~150k becuase the county has controls on it, but the bank loan is for 310k. Called bank on "abandoned" property but they havn't taken action for 3 years and probably won't becuase the county will get the property and the bank will be out at least 150k, so they have no real incentive to move on this at the moment.

What I have done:

1) HOA won't help at all, and had no advice.

2) Low Income housing authority says they are looking into it, but no action so far and apparently the owner has to sell or sign the property back over to them for anything to really happen.

3) Health department and Code Compliance department are "investigating" but no real action either.

4) Called bank/servicing company, but they havn't done anything as they have no incentive and it would take 90 days to evict people anyway.

5) Called police on the fights and they have come, but they are still there.

6) Got the owners number and talked to him when he showed up one day (driving his lexus). He has been no help either, and has obviously let people live there (root of the problem). He at least has a key though still.

Any other suggestions?