Help! Squatters destroying a 4-plex in Washington, DC

[Rick Bosl]

I have a client who owns a four-plex in Washington, DC. He wants to eventually sell it. The last tenant left a month ago, but there was a squatter in one of the units. Police were called but they wouldn't do anything because "they don't do evictions". 

Meanwhile, both first floor units have a leak under the kitchen sink. The owner called DC Water to turn off the water, but they said people are living in the first floor units. More squatters!

The locks were already changed once, but that didn't stop the squatters. 

DC gives so many rights to tenants its crazy. Even squatters have rights. 

An attorney is involved, but how do you evict someone who you don't even know is there? 

Any suggestions? 

[Nathan Gesner]

Unfortunately, your client is at the mercy of our unjust legal system.

The only alternative I'm aware of would be to move someone in with them. Create a lease agreement. Wait until the squatter steps out for a drug deal or liquor store run, then move their stuff out, occupy the unit, and change the locks. When the squatter returns, they won't have any recourse. They could call the police or hire an attorney, but they would have no evidence they were legal occupants and you'll have all the evidence necessary to stop them. The downside to this is (a) it's illegal, and (b) it puts people at risk of physical harm.

I find it strange that there's no water shutoff inside the building.