The Squatting Epidemic
As the issue of squatting comes under scrutiny following recent reports of clashes between homeowners and people unlawfully occupying their property, a map shows where the most squatting incidents have been documented in the U.S.
Squatters are people who inhabit a piece of land or a building that they do not have a legal right to occupy, according to the American Apartment Owners Association. They live in the building or on the property without paying rent and without lawful documentation stating they own the property, are a law-abiding tenant or that they have permission to use or access the area.
There is little research about the scale of the issue in the U.S. But areas in Georgia, Florida and Texas had more squatters than other U.S. metropolitan areas, according to a survey by the National Rental Home Council (NRHC).
The council surveyed its members who own single-family rental homes and learned which US cities have the most squatters:
- Atlanta – 1,200 homes had squatters.
- Dallas-Fort Worth – 475 homes occupied by squatters
- Orange County, Florida, including Orlando had 125 squatters
Source: www.newsweek.com
How to prevent squatters
Some preventative measures property managers can take to deter squatters include:
- Regular property inspections: Conduct regular inspections of vacant properties to detect any signs of unauthorized occupancy or illegal activities.
- Secure entrances and windows: Install steel door and window guards to prevent unauthorized access to the property.
- Adequate lighting: Ensure the property is well-lit, both inside and outside, to discourage illegal activities and make it easier to detect any suspicious behavior.
- Property maintenance: Keep the property well-maintained and in good condition, as squatters are more likely to target properties that appear abandoned or neglected
- Surveillance cameras: Install surveillance cameras to monitor the property and deter potential squatters.
- Secure utility access: Protect utility access points, such as electrical panels and gas lines, with locked enclosures to prevent unauthorized individuals from tampering with them for squatting purposes.
- Neighborhood watch: Encourage neighbors to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities they observe around the property. Establishing a strong relationship with the community can help in preventing illegal activities.
- Tenant screening: Implement stricter tenant screening processes to ensure only qualified and responsible tenants can occupy the property.
By implementing these preventative measures, property managers can significantly reduce the risk of squatters occupying their properties. It is important to remain proactive and address any potential issues promptly to protect the property and the interests of the property owner.
Get the Guide: What Every Property Manager Needs to Know About Squatters
