Grandmothers Home has squatters what do I do?

Question

The only thing my grandmother owns is her house. She got very sick and we moved her out of her house and into a retirement home. When she left her house she told a family from her church they could live there rent free till they saved up money to get their own place. It's been 7 years, I don't know these people, they have no contract to live there. I don't know if they are taking care of the house or not, or if it's even still standing. I am my grandmothers power of attorney now and I just want to make sure her house is taken care of. I am lost on what to do about these people living in her house. If they destroy her house it will be worth nothing to any of the family when she passes on. Any ideals?

Answer 1

They ARE squatters and you know why?  Because they have NO proof of rental..IE payment receipts.  I would contact an attorney though.  everyone else is right, don't start a fight.  If you want to evict them, then give the proper notice and be done with it.  It's not like you are going to lose out of money if they aren't there because they were paying no money to begin with.  

Answer 2

well in 7 years they should have saved enough by now have them evicted or sign a lease and pay rent

Answer 3

Contact an attorney.  

Answer 4

First, you must address your ignorance of the situation. Go there. Meet and greet. Share stories of your grandmother and let them know of her plight and your need to sell the house to pay her medical bills.

As trustee of your grandmother's estate, I recommend you put the house up for sale to liquidate it.

Your grandmother did make a contract with the family living there. They are tenants, by law, not squatters. They cannot be arrested for trespass. They receive mail at the address, and pay the utilities in their name. What "consideration" did your grandmother get for their tenancy (in lieu of rent)? She got them "watching over the place." That makes them tenants.

Do not make the mistake of starting a fight with them! It was a verbal agreement, and that is valid by law. Now that you represent your grandmother, it is your job to terminate the agreement.

Try speaking to the family first. Get your facts. And, you might get your grandmother's pastor to help out, if this is a church family. Perhaps he can help them understand that their free ride is up because now it is time to take care of grandmother's interests. It could be a case where they will be glad to assist you. Maybe they'll even make an offer to buy it.

Or, it could be a case where they fight you tooth and nail. State and local law govern your situation. Google the state + "eviction".

Good luck to you. All contracts come to an end, and you can influence whether that end costs you time and money, or whether it advances your cause and helps your grandmother in her final days.

Answer 5

Six months should have done the trick.   I would evict them.

They are not squatters, unless they are paying the taxes.   They are renters with a rent of $0.

If they are paying taxes you seriously need to give them to ol' heave ho', they will own her house if you are not careful.