[OH] [OH] What should I do if there are squatters living in a house I own?
I recently discovered people living in a run down house I own in Ohio. I had no prior knowledge of that and gave no approval 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 eForm eviction form to use or how to alter it. They have no lease and pay no rent. As a matter of fact I do not know their names.
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Given the unauthorized access, lack of a lease or rent payments, and the alleged illegal activities, the folks on your property are considered trespassers or squatters. The police correctly advised you to pursue an eviction action through the courts. Even without a formal landlord–tenant relationship, you generally need a court order to legally remove them because “self-help” evictions—like changing locks or turning off utilities—are illegal.
When you file the eviction, you will need to name the individuals. Since you do not know their names, you can initially file against “John Doe” and “Jane Doe” or similar placeholders. Once their identities become known (perhaps through the police reports you mentioned, or during the court process), you will need to amend your complaint to include their actual names.
The police reports and news coverage can serve as evidence in your eviction case. This evidence can help demonstrate the unauthorized nature of their occupancy and the reasons for their removal.
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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 gave no approval 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 eForm eviction form to use or how to alter it. They have no lease and pay no rent. As a matter of fact I do not know their names.
Lexi, Chatbot
I'm sorry to hear about the situation with your property in Ohio. 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 where these individuals are residing without permission?
Yes.
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your eviction process.
TJ, Esq.
Hello! My name is TJ and I’m an attorney. Thanks so much for the opportunity to assist you! I reviewed what you wrote and I’m about to post my initial answer. While I finalize that, can you please let me know if you’re available for an online chat right now?
I own a run down house in Ohio that I discovered recently was being occupied by individuals that I do not know. No names, lease or rent. The local police told me that I need to file eviction through the courts. What eForm eviction form do I use and how can I alter it for no name lease or rent?
TJ, Esq.
Since the individuals living in your Ohio property have no lease and do not pay rent, they are considered squatters or trespassers, not tenants. In Ohio, you generally need to file an eviction action (also known as a forcible entry and detainer action) in court to remove them, even if there is no formal landlord–tenant relationship. Because you do not 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 at all, or have they attempted to communicate with you?
- Are there any utilities, like electricity or water, connected to the house that are in your name?
- Has there been any damage to the property since these people began residing there?
They are involved in drug action including a recent arrest that brought my attention to this so no, I am afraid to approach them.
Utilities should be off.
No damage that I know of.
The local electric company called to tell me they shut electric off because they were using a jumper cable to hot wire the meter.
Police reports can be obtained I’m sure. The police were familiar with the property. The arrest was on the local TV news.
The police called for my permission to enter the property because it was gated off.
It is an abandoned gravel pit with 3 houses on it. Drug problem there is well known.
TJ, Esq.
Given the unauthorized access, lack of a lease or rent payments, and the alleged illegal activities, the folks on your property are considered trespassers or squatters. The police correctly advised you to pursue an eviction action through the courts. Even without a formal landlord–tenant relationship, you generally need a court order to legally remove them because “self-help” evictions—like changing locks or turning off utilities—are illegal.
When you file the eviction, you will need to name the individuals. Since you do not know their names, you can initially file against “John Doe” and “Jane Doe” or similar placeholders. Once their identities become known (perhaps through the police reports you mentioned, or during the court process), you will need to amend your complaint to include their actual names.
The police reports and news coverage can serve as evidence in your eviction case. This evidence can help demonstrate the unauthorized nature of their occupancy and the reasons for their removal.
Thank you. No further questions.
TJ, Esq.
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