Squatter in Home - Any other way to remove her than eviction?

Question

I am asking this for someone else.

An elderly woman was allowing a temporary guest to stay with her. The women was homeless and living in a hotel with her 8 year old daughter. Homeowner she felt bad and offered a temporary stay. Rent free. No written agreement. Now squatter won't leave and its become a very very tense situation. Squatter is threatening to call social services because she isn't allowed to use the kitchen. The home owner had to file an eviction against her, which  I am pretty sure is her only recourse at this point. Correct?

Judy Parker · Answer

Property is in NJ? She is in deep trouble. NJ is an Anti-Eviction state. The homeowner must file for eviction, waste money on legal fees, and if the Squatter retains an attorney it will be very difficult to remove them. Since there is no Lease, the property owner is fighting an uphill battle. And if the Squatter has a child, the judge will let them continue living in the house through June, so as not to disrupt the childs' education. I always tell people NOT to let anyone move into your house, especially without a Lease. Once they move in, they don't have to move out and it is nearly impossible to get rid of them.

Please keep us updated on the status.

Dennis M. · Answer

@Tracie Van

There’s lots of creative ways to get someone like that out!... but being there’s a young child involved the law should be followed and it should be tactfully done

Ray Harrell · Answer

Homeowner wants them out, just call the police and have them removed! A guest who has overstayed their 10-day welcome. Is she getting mail there? Can she prove she has been there more than 30 days? landlord tenant laws usually don't apply to owner occupied properties, especially if it's an SFR.

Dennis M. · Answer

Yeah New Jersey is bad news for this situation

Tracie Van · Answer

@Dennis M.

That is what I am thinking too. The minor makes things more complicated, but wanted to ask just in case.

Darren Sager · Answer

If the home is owner occupied, then normal landlord tenant relations don't apply.  This person is considered a guest in her home and the process of getting her removed is much easier. I'd of course consult with my attorney, and take all means they'd advise me on to get rid of this person.

Tracie Van · Answer

Oh goodness. I was afraid of this. Not my battle, but I will replay the info. Thank you!

Anthony Dooley · Answer

File for eviction. There are laws to protect tenants, children or not. Give her written notice to vacate with a witness in accordance with your local laws. Then file eviction. The judge will order her out. They don't have a choice.

Tracie Van · Answer

@Ray Harrell

She been there longer than that and receives mail there. AND, I just found out its in New Jersey, not Wisconsin, so I am totally not familiar with the laws there. But the homeowner has filed an eviction, which she was told was her only recourse at this time. Live and learn I guess.

Squatter in Home - Any other way to remove her than eviction?

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