Selling A House With Squatters
"Do Squatters Have Rights in Pennsylvania?"

In the real estate ecosystem, homeowners can often face a nightmare when dealing with squatters, individuals or groups who occupy and use a property without the legal permission of the homeowner. It’s crucial to understand the complexities of this situation, especially if you plan to sell your house with squatters in Pennsylvania. This article will guide you through the process and address the question of whether squatters have rights in Pennsylvania.

What are Squatters?

Squatters are individuals or groups who unlawfully inhabit and use a property without the owner’s legal permission. This can occur in various types of properties, including abandoned, foreclosed, unoccupied, or even occupied ones. Some squatters find themselves in dire socio-economic situations, while others strategically leverage the legal principle of ‘adverse possession’ to potentially claim rights to a property after living there uninterrupted for a specific period. Squatters establish residency by engaging in activities related to home living, such as receiving mail, changing locks, or property maintenance. These actions complicate the legal process of eviction for property owners.

Different Types of Squatters:

To navigate the situation effectively, it is crucial to understand the different types of squatters you may encounter in Pennsylvania:

• Wrongful Detainer: These individuals initially entered the property lawfully, such as guests, but overstayed without the owner’s consent.
• Holdover Tenants: They are tenants who refuse to vacate the property after their lease has expired or been terminated.
• Adverse Possessors: These squatters use the principle of ‘adverse possession‘ to potentially gain legal rights to a property over time without legal interference.

Trespassing vs Squatting:

To clarify the distinction between trespassing and squatting:

Do Squatters Have Rights in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, squatter rights and laws are not as straightforward as “finders keepers” once a squatter lays claim to a property. However, squatters must meet specific criteria before asserting rights under the adverse possession law. These criteria include continuous, exclusive, and notorious occupation of the property for a minimum of 21 years, along with the payment of property taxes for at least seven years within that period. While Pennsylvania law leans more toward homeowner protection, it is crucial to take immediate action upon discovering squatters.

Options For Selling a House With Squatters in Pennsylvania:

Selling a house with squatters in Pennsylvania can be a challenging task. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Cash for Keys: Negotiate with the squatters by offering them money to vacate the property. While this may involve additional expenses, it can be a quick solution.
• Legal Assistance: Seek the guidance of an attorney specializing in property law to handle your squatter situation. Although this option may be time-consuming and potentially costly, it can provide a comprehensive long-term solution.
• Sell As-Is to a Cash Buyer: Consider selling your house as-is, including the squatters, to property buyers who are willing to purchase it in its current condition.