Sqatters Moved in and Don't Have to Leave

[Nia C.]

In short, I bought a property on a Friday. Less than a week later, people had broke in through my back door, changed the front door lock, and moved in. And they do not have to leave. They produced a lease and receipt for payment of 1st month and security. They claim that they saw the property on Craigslist. 

All Lies.

The people on the lease were found guilty of illegally possessing a property less than a year ago. They also have a rap sheet that includes breaking and entering.

What steps can I take to reduce the chances of 

   a. Someone breaking into a recently purchased property and then moving in.

   b. Someone being able to stay in the property at the point I discover they're there. 

c. Getting these people out of property. Is filing for wronful detainer in District Court the only way?

[Thomas S.]

"I honestly wish we could take a couple friends with baseball bats and resolve these issues"

Truth be told you can and some do. Yes there are risks but done properly they are low and often normal part of doing business.

In reality it can actually be done without the bats. You wait till they are out, or possibly only one at home. Break in and force any one in the property out, quickly change the locks back, place your own family pictures around the home, remove anything personal identifying the squatters, make sure you have your ownership papers with you and wait for the police to show up. Best done with a team of 2-3 people and have your wife show up carrying groceries after the police arrive. Possession is 9/10 of the law.