All Forum Posts by: Randy Vincent

 Randy, I have contractors, PM in place AND properties IF you're a cash buyer. If you are going the traditional route, when you close feel free to reach out. I can handle it all for you. Also send me the address I will tell you A OK or not. 

Good luck 

Hey Randy, that sounds awesome you're looking to purchase some properties in the Cleveland market!  I wouldn't worry about squatters, it definitely happens, but I don't think Cleveland is uniquely worse than other larger cities, and there's a lot of steps you can take to help prevent this problem if you have a vacant property or something that's getting worked on or you're waiting to rent out.  

 I have done 100s and 100s , maybe I had 2 squatters over 10 years, SO no not a problem, 

It depends on the market. I live in a market where half the occupants don't lock their doors at night. Cleveland, like most big cities, has a large number of squatters. It's important to educate yourself on how to prevent it from happening, and then being prepared to act quickly and decisively if it does happen.

The problem is pervasive enough in Cleveland that a Google search turned up a lot of news articles, helpful blogs, and other resources.

Check on the property often and install cameras if you think it will be a problem.  Just dont leave the property sitting empty for a long period of time.  If they see no activity at the property, then yes they may squat there  

As a local manager we don't come across true squatters very often.  The more common issue is someone who is related to the property staying over and having to go through an eviction.  On the handful of times we have found someone in a unit we have threated to call the police and it has generally worked, they would need to show something that ties them to the unit (mail, utility bill, or lease) for the police to not get involved.  

In the event that you do have a true squatter its a fairly standard eviction process which is unfortunate but does happen in this business.

On a preventative note if you have a vacant unit you can put in a security system that uses cellular and you will get notification if anyone comes in.  If you get the police immediately then it should be easy to get them out as trespassing or breaking and entering.