How to Stop Trespassers, Squatters, Thieves and Vandals from Entering a Vacant House

[lawfacts]

A home in a nice neighborhood has been abandoned by its owners, and is rapidly falling into disrepair. There are signs that somebody has broken into the home, and there may be squatters in the home. How can neighbors stop things from getting worse?

[Mr. Knowitall]

A few ideas....

The neighbors can report any suspected criminal activity to the police.

They may check county records for the home to see if there is a recorded mortgage and, if the home is in foreclosure or REO, contact the lender about the problems.

They may contact the building department, or any unit of local government responsible for enforcing zoning and dealing with derelict structures, to try to get the home inspected, possibly boarded up, and with possible enforcement action taken against the owner.