[OH] [OH] How do I evict squatters from my property?
I recently discovered people living in a run-down house I own in Ohio. I had no prior knowledge of that and did not approve for them to do so. The local police told me that I need to file for eviction in the courts. I do not know what eviction form to use or how to alter it. They have no lease and pay no rent. In fact, I do not know their names.
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Thanks for providing those details. Given the unauthorized access, lack of lease, and alleged illegal activity, the folks on your property are considered trespassers or squatters. The police were correct to advise you to pursue an eviction action in court.
Even without a landlord-tenant relationship, you must get a court order to remove them—“self-help” evictions (like changing locks or turning off utilities) are illegal (Ohio Revised Code § 5321.15).
Steps:
- File the eviction in court, naming “John Doe” and “Jane Doe” as defendants.
- Once their identities are known, amend your complaint.
- The court issues a summons, which must be served on them.
- Use police reports, utility issues, and news coverage as evidence of unauthorized occupation.
These details will strengthen your claim and demonstrate they have no legal right to occupy the property.
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I recently discovered people living in a run-down house I own in Ohio. I had no prior knowledge of that and did not approve for them to do so. The local police told me that I need to file for eviction in the courts. I do not know what eviction form to use or how to alter it. They have no lease and pay no rent. In fact, I do not know their names.
Lexi, Chatbot
I’m sorry to hear about the situation. Have you tried contacting a lawyer in Ohio for assistance with the eviction process?
Not yet.
Lexi, Chatbot
Do you have any documentation or proof of ownership of the property?
Yes.
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you?
Nothing else.
TJ, Esq.
Hello! My name is TJ and I’m an attorney. Thanks for the opportunity to assist you! Can you let me know if you’re available for an online chat right now?
Yes. I own a run-down house in Ohio that I discovered recently was being occupied by individuals I do not know. No names, lease, or rent. The local police told me I need to file eviction through the courts. What eviction form do I use, and how can I alter it when I have no name, lease, or rent?
TJ, Esq.
Since the individuals living in your property have no lease and do not pay rent, they are considered squatters or trespassers, not tenants. In Ohio, you need to file an eviction action (forcible entry and detainer) in court to remove them. Because you don’t know their names, you may need to file against “John Doe” and “Jane Doe” and then amend the complaint once you learn their actual names.
Questions for you:
- Have you attempted to communicate with the individuals?
- Are there any utilities connected in your name?
- Has there been any damage to the property?
They are involved in drug activity, including a recent arrest, so I am afraid to approach them. Utilities should be off. No damage that I know of.
TJ, Esq.
Thanks for that information. Do you have any current or past police reports regarding the drug activity or arrest at the property?
The local electric company told me they shut the electric off because the occupants hot-wired the meter with a jumper cable. Police reports can be obtained—I’m sure. The police are familiar with the property. The arrest was even on the local TV news. The police called for my permission to enter because it was gated off. It’s an abandoned gravel pit with three houses on it. The drug problem there is well known.
TJ, Esq.
Thanks for providing those details. Given the unauthorized access, lack of lease, and alleged illegal activity, the folks on your property are considered trespassers or squatters. The police were correct to advise you to pursue an eviction action in court.
Even without a landlord-tenant relationship, you must get a court order to remove them—“self-help” evictions (like changing locks or turning off utilities) are illegal (Ohio Revised Code § 5321.15).
Steps:
- File the eviction in court, naming “John Doe” and “Jane Doe” as defendants.
- Once their identities are known, amend your complaint.
- The court issues a summons, which must be served on them.
- Use police reports, utility issues, and news coverage as evidence of unauthorized occupation.
These details will strengthen your claim and demonstrate they have no legal right to occupy the property.
Thank you. No further questions.
TJ, Esq.
You’re very welcome! I’m happy I could help!
TJ, Esq.
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