Squatters “Un-Squatted” in Tarrant County TX
By Norma Wall, Broker
This happened a decade ago – but it’s worth repeating!
Finally! A story about adverse possession that I can support. No — I can applaud!
A couple moved into a vacant home in Tarrant County without buying it. They broke in, changed the locks and set up housekeeping, perhaps to start the process of long-term adverse possession.
Adverse possession in Texas is a legal concept that allows an individual to acquire ownership of someone else’s property through continuous, open, and hostile possession for a certain period of time.
While this may or may not meet all of the criteria for adverse possession, it is nonetheless destructive to the value, peace and well being of the neighborhood.
Same profession – better dressed
This is not a victimless crime.
Who do you think will ultimately pay the price for this criminal act? Only everybody!
- Every person who is struggling to make ends meet are the victim.
- Every person who is trying to put together a mortgage loan to buy a home is the victim.
- Every person who is living in the neighborhood pays the price.
As long as this behavior is not corrected or punished it will continue and everyone else will pay the price – one way or another.
The offending couple now faces burglary charges.
Vacant properties are the target, especially pre-foreclosure property since the legal process gives them some time to live in the house before discovery.
Unfortunately, some homeowners abandon their property when faced with foreclosure. The property is then exposed to an opportunist who breaks into the house, take possession and set up housekeeping, and justify their actions by taking advantage of legal loopholes or outdated laws.
They move into the property — as though they have earned the right to do so!
I’m glad to see more aggressive action against this type of crime.
Thank you Tarrant County for taking action!
What can you do?
Nothing but harm can come from this type of activity. Squatters are not known for improving the property or as friendly neighbors. If they conduct the high-dollar criminal activity of adverse possession, it’s probably not their only crime (where do you think they get all the “stuff” they put into the house?) – perhaps your neighborhood, home and family are not quite as safe…protect your neighborhood.