What is the easiest way to get rid of squatters in California?

Question

What is the easiest way to get rid of squatters in California legally if there is no ownership of the property?

Mel Hayes · Answer

@La'Moure Newsome Whats rights do you have to the property? I might have missed it.

La'Moure Newsome · Answer

@Mel Hayes, I called the last known owner, then also the Bank that was suppose to have the ownership and it is no record of it. The agents I had to help me with the due diligence of the property found that it is an open property.

La'Moure Newsome · Answer

@Ryan Best I definitely appreciate that. I spoke with one who I did let them know that I could pay. One of them was pretty upset and said she has been there for two years, but I'm not sure if she has received any mail or made any additions to the property. I think that might help more but they also let me know that they knew of other properties that they said they might be willing to help me locate and I offered to pay for any help. I am now working with an agent to help me a bit. And if there are any Lawyers that have any suggestion on it, I am definitely all ears!

Mel Hayes · Answer

@La'Moure Newsome What do you mean by no ownership? Nobody owns the house?

Ryan Best · Answer

Easiest or fastest?  Two different things, my friend.

The easiest way is to pay for them to leave. Google "Cash for keys" for more information. I speak from the sad experience of having to do that while in Escrow a few years ago in Los Angeles. The squatter refused to leave and the threat of a lawsuit from real estate agents/brokers and the buyer hung over my head. The squatter literally told me, "I know if I don't leave it's going to f*ck up your sale. You can either pay me to leave ...or evict me."  He knew it would take longer than I had for escrow. So $2,000 later I had the keys (he had changed the locks) and he had signed an agreement stating he was not living there and would make no claims against me, the new property owner, etc. The second he signed the agreement, I changed the locks. But boy, did I want to punch him in the face!

That little story aside, the proper way to get rid of a squatter is to evict them. I'm not a real estate lawyer, but I think if a squatter is not receiving mail, nor have utilities in his name, and of course is not paying you rent or have a signed agreement with you to stay there .... you might be able to have the police escort him out permanently.  Any lawyers have a comment on this?