Protect From Squatters

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Protecting your private property is your biggest investment — even during these terrible economic times — so protecting it from squatters and other unwanted tenants is a must. We've got tips for you, plus advice to take immediate action. Here's how:

Know Your Neighbors, Know Your Neighborhood

Get to know your neighbors who live on your street, along with regular visitors and service people of your neighbors. Squatters can only get away with living in your property if the neighbors allow them to do so, usually out of stupidity. Noticing that people who don't belong in the area have moved in without a right is the first step against unwanted tenants.

What they should watch for:

Broken doors or windows, or entryways that have been boarded up

Fires, flashlights or flames in and around the house (smells included)

Personal belongings on the front porch or in the front or backyard, such as shoes or clothes on the line

Unidentified trash in bins

Learn the Laws Regarding Unoccupied Property

What are the laws in your city and state regarding abandoned property? Know that in most cases, squatters will probably be considered to be trespassing. In any case, they might be stealing property from your home.

For U.S. residents, go to the county record office and get a copy of a Trustee's deed to hand over to the police.

And, if you live outside of the U.S., find the equivalent title holder in your jurisdiction.

In California, for example, if a squatter resides in an abandoned property long enough (without the owner doing anything about it), he or she could end up owning the house, according to the S.F. Chronicle. In general, it would take about five years of paying property tax payments for a squatter to gain possession of the home. Georgia faces similar squatting problems, with anti-government sovereign citizens taking foreclosed homes using fake deeds, according to ABCnews.com.

In these cases, homeowners need to be prepared in every way possible. One way would be to invest in an alarm system. For example, LifeShield offers wireless home security, such as web and mobile apps that users can use to monitor their homes while their away. Check with your state to know how to figure out the best way to protect your vacant home from unwelcome tenants.

Make it Look Occupied

If you still live in the area, visit your vacant home frequently to maintain the landscaping and check on the place. Do your best to make the home look occupied, even if it means hanging curtains and leaving on lights.

Reduce the Risk

If you know your property won't be occupied for a long period of time or if it's located in a particularly risky area, make it less livable. Remove toilets and sinks. Turn off water and electricity, and tell the utility company that the property will be vacant until you call them again. Remove or protect any valuables, such as appliances or air conditioners.