Squatters in the Hood

We have squatters!

In January, a home rental company purchased one of the single-family ranches in the small subdivision where I live in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. During the time the home was unoccupied, a squatter twosome (husband and wife squatters?) either picked a lock or managed to get in via an unlocked door or window.

Once in, they immediately changed the locks. They’ve put a swing set and trampoline in their tiny back yard and for a time apparently operated a day care (none of which are allowed under homeowner association rules).

I would have thought people who get into a house in a clearly illegal manner could easily be evicted. I was wrong. Our squatters have remained for eight months and counting, to the chagrin of subdivision residents and, no doubt, the company that bought the house.

I would have thought the property owner could simply present the deed to the sheriff’s office or police and have them show up and physically escort the squatters out. Wrong again. The company has to follow a judicial eviction process and ask for the sheriff’s aid in removing the squatters. That means they have to be served. And if the squatters refuse to answer the door, they can’t be served.

I would have thought the property owner might have the water, power, gas and electric shut off. Wrong one more time. Turning off utilities is illegal. Squatters have rights. Wait a minute. Squatters have rights?

I would have thought It might be the right of homeowners to break down the door of a house they own and order squatters out, at gunpoint if need be. Nope; anyone who tries that could face charges.

This all got me to thinking of our world today. And it occurs I would have thought I would not be living in a country where schoolchildren are routinely given “active shooter” training. I would have thought I would not have to receive security training from my local place of worship.

And with “squatters have rights” still kicking around in my head, a final thought occurs to me: Maybe I shouldn’t think so much.