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Squatters

Started by EjC • 32 replies • 823 views

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EjC (Nevada)
Posts: 11
Posted:
So in my complex we have 2 entrances which are city public streets and obviously anyone is allowed on public sidewalks in Nevada. So i am looking for Ideas to help erradicate the homeless/squatter problems we are having? Any suggestions are welcome also I know i didn't explain the total situation but if you need to ask a question please don't hesitate to ask!
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Have you contacted the police?

What did they say?
EjC (Nevada)
Posts: 11
Posted:
Yes people in the complex call the cops all the time...average response time is 2-4 hours because they always say they don't have time for low level nuisance calls! My neighbor finally rented out his unit and i saw squatters going in before they moved in...and i called the cops it took them 4 hours and 10 minutes to show however by time they showed the squatters were awakened by the blowers and left the premisis and then the cops showed 15 minutes later! But what I am looking for is tricks or ways to keep them out. I can't find any threads on this subject also there is no search button?
MarkM19 (Texas)
Posts: 1,459
Posted:
I seem to have heard that some places place very annoying music on a constant loop and I have no data as to how effective it is. If you placed it a small world on a loop most people would not stay more than a few minutes. Not sure if this is anything someone here has tried.

The world we live in today may make anything you try offensive to the vocal minority so be prepared.
JanineR (Tennessee)
Posts: 259
Posted:
I'm following this thread.

Also I couldn't find the search feature either at first.
There is an icon with a magnifying glass to the right of "<= Go to List of Discussion Topics" below the line at the top that has the smiley face.
EjC (Nevada)
Posts: 11
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By JanineR on 02/18/2021 5:43 PM
I'm following this thread.

Also I couldn't find the search feature either at first.
There is an icon with a magnifying glass to the right of "<= Go to List of Discussion Topics" below the line at the top that has the smiley face.

Thanks I am used to looking for a box lol thanks a million.
SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964
Posted:
You might want to contact local charities that work with the homeless - they may be able to provide some services and referrals to homeless shelters. Any idea why people seem to be attracted to the entrances (e.g. is there some sort of overhang where they'll hang out in bad weather?) If so, you may want to look into removing whatever makes that area attractive to them.
If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius
ND (PA)
Posts: 792
Posted:
What is your "complex" . . . condos, single family homes, something else? Knowing the layout/makeup of your complex may help with ideas.

How are squatters and homeless gaining entry to homes/units? Are units left open and/or unlocked for anyone to access? Or are people breaking and entering into the units? Potential here for illegal trespass, burglary, etc. These are a bit more than nuisance calls I would think, so perhaps the information being supplied to the PD is not indicating sufficient urgency.
SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964
Posted:
Tim provides some excellent resources.

Note there's a difference between homeless and squatters. If you have people living in an empty unit in your building, addressing that (this is squatting) is different than, say a group of homeless people trying to set up camp in your parking lot. The former may require putting a strong lock on the door and contacting the owner who should be securing the unit. If the HOA has to put in a lock, make sure the owner is billed, and before doing ANYTHING, consult with your association attorney as to whether the HOA has a legal right to enter a unit for safety issues.
If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius
MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836
Posted:
Yes there is a difference between squatters and homeless. Squatters have different legal rights and have to be dealt with in legal system. Homeless may be simply a trespassing charge and police to move them along their way. Squatters can in some cases retain some kind of owner rights. Possession being 9/10's of the law thing. So your HOA may need to involve a lawyer. However, it's more like the owner of the property being squatted in needs to take action.

When I moved into our HOA the President had to deal with this issue. A guy moved in with his girlfriend whom owned the house. She moved out. He did not. She did not know he was still living there. The man was discovered as he had a dog that bit someone. The HOA notified the owner whom had to go to court to evict him. The owner had to go through the legal process of an eviction. Which takes like a month to 6 weeks. The last 2 weeks the Sheriff department may need to come in and remove. The President had to go to court to testify that this person was squatting in the house.

The legal process takes time to work. So if you have no patience or stomach for it, then your without a paddle here. Homeless would need to press trespassing charges against. Is the HOA willing to press charges? If not, then they know this and will stay.
Former HOA President
EjC (Nevada)
Posts: 11
Posted:
Yea that wouldn't help they like being on the streets a lot of them have mental issues so it's very difficult to approach them.
EjC (Nevada)
Posts: 11
Posted:
Yea that won't help either bc i live in Vegas i don't know how i clicked on NH lol. These are like a gang of homeless and yes they break in when they know there's an empty unit. They hide their stuff in unit owners storage closets and believe me they know how to get things done. Illegal trespass won't help unless the cops show up fast but they don't. Priority calls first.
EjC (Nevada)
Posts: 11
Posted:
Yea that won't help either bc i live in Vegas i don't know how i clicked on NH lol. These are like a gang of homeless and yes they break in when they know there's an empty unit. They hide their stuff in unit owners storage closets and believe me they know how to get things done. Illegal trespass won't help unless the cops show up fast but they don't. Priority calls first.
EjC (Nevada)
Posts: 11
Posted:
Umm actually the homeless are the squatters as i said they break in and will eventually leave when pressed by other people in the complex and these are condos. Hell they destroyed the ladies condo in the building over from me and the HOA boarded it up and also the HOA claims they can't do anything about it because the owner keeps paying the HOA fee every month it doesn't look good at all.These guys are smart they know who has alarms and who doesn't they know how to get in the sliding doors and windows as well.
EjC (Nevada)
Posts: 11
Posted:
What I am really looking for is Ideas that will make them not want to come hear no more I heard security say something like pigeon poop or Pigeon grease on top of the walls anyone know about that?
SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964
Posted:
Look, homeless is a problem everywhere, although some places may be more problematic than others. Stuff like pigeon poop may work for the birds, but these are PEOPLE. Sadly, homelessness may become a bigger problem as people have fallen behind on their rent or mortgages, lost their jobs and there are arguments now for longer moratoriums on foreclosure and eviction because of the pandemic. Then you have problems with people being kicked out or running away from domestic violence situations, lack of mental health, and on and on.

It would be great if there was a simple answer for you, but there isn't one. The best you can do is keep talking to the police and homeless experts (which I doubt you've tried) and do what's possible to secure your area. Make sure your homeowners know how they can keep themselves safe.
If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By EjC on 02/19/2021 1:38 PM
What I am really looking for is Ideas that will make them not want to come hear no more I heard security say something like pigeon poop or Pigeon grease on top of the walls anyone know about that?

I read the same thing.
I don't think it would be that effective and it creates a mess that may be as bad or worse.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Since you identified that you were in NV (see thread on how to change State indication), here is Nevada specific info:

Squatter's Rights Nevada

Interesting info: The article said to call the Sheriff not the local police. Might give that a try.

Squatters Rights in Nevada different article. I think it's more in depth.

NRS 205.0817 – “Squatting” laws in Nevada (unlawful occupancy) from a defense attorney site.

Many squatters know and exploit Nevada laws to remain in homes for free 2016 article from the Las Vegas Review Journal

How to Deal With Squatters in Your Neighborhood From Wiki-How

A side note: You shouldn't be the only one calling the police on the issue.
Complaints from several get action quicker then complaints from one.
LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679
Posted:
Ejc, First you need to find out if you live in the City of Las Vegas or are you in Unincorporated Clark County.

This is for Clark County To report a Nuisance Violation citizens are encouraged to call the Clark County Public Response Office at (702) 455-4191

City of Las Vegas 702-229-6117 or [email protected]. In addition, the city's homeless outreach, or MORE, team can be reached at 702-229-MORE (6673).

Or if the problem is reoccurring, call the City of Las Vegas Marshall's office at 702-229-6444. The last Two are for if you live in the City.

Ejc, I share your pain. I live in the county and we have weekly bouts with homeless prowling our gated community and setting up camps in our exterior landscaping. Be proactive.

Quite honestly, there's not a whole lot police can do if they are on the side walk because it is public property. Once they step off the sidewalk and are in the landscaping, the landscaping is private property "belongs to the HOA"

Good Luck
LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By TimB4 on 02/18/2021 4:35 PM
Have you contacted the police?

What did they say?

Police won't do Jack Squat
LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By EjC on 02/19/2021 1:38 PM
What I am really looking for is Ideas that will make them not want to come hear no more I heard security say something like pigeon poop or Pigeon grease on top of the walls anyone know about that?

Some people with block walls install fence extensions or coyote rollers grease em up too.
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Found this interesting power point presentation for Las Vegas.
At the end is a contact. You might try there and, perhaps set up a presentation for your development to see what can and cannot be done.

Here is the link:

North Las Vegas Squatter Task Force
LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By TimB4 on 02/20/2021 12:03 PM
Found this interesting power point presentation for Las Vegas.
At the end is a contact. You might try there and, perhaps set up a presentation for your development to see what can and cannot be done.

Here is the link:

North Las Vegas Squatter Task Force

It is easier to steal a house in the state of Nevada than it is to steal any other tangible item; AND you likely won't face prosecution for it.
AB 161 helps, but it's not enough.
Also the 207.200 Trespassing statute changed. Private property owners, especially casinos were able to Trespass cite someone, read them a Miranda inspired trespass citation and put the persons info in a police computer.
The Vagrancy problem has gotten so bad, even on the strip, Vagrants are sleeping outside the doors of strip casino properties and there isn't a thing the police are doing about it. They always cite " private property"
EjC (Nevada)
Posts: 11
Posted:
Sheila I don't think you understand these homeless are everyday criminals they break into our cars, and condos IDK know about you but we aren't looking the other way on this we want them gone!
EjC (Nevada)
Posts: 11
Posted:
Thanks Tim I will look into this but FYI I think if they're breaking in that's way away from Squatting that's criminal and it's just not on the cops priority list on most nights.
MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836
Posted:
Well this is a city problem as well. All the legal options you have are the police to pursue crimes. The HOA or condo is NOT the police nor a court room. So my suggestion is to keep calling the police and press charges. Post signs you will be pressing charges.

If your not following up with going to court to press the charges your not helping the police or anyone take it seriously. Press the charges and go to court. The end.
Former HOA President
EjC (Nevada)
Posts: 11
Posted:
LetA thanks for feeling my pain but the whole issue is when the idiot mayor of Vegas pushed all the homeless from fremont down south it's like the walking dead but it's ever worse where all the shelters are. Anyway I am a Democrat but this idiot mayor needs to go she is the worst!
MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836
Posted:
So how did the mayor "push" the homeless out if you can't? Sounds like what they are doing to push them out is working...

BTW: They opened a thrift store near my house. It's for the rescue mission for the homeless in the next city over. That means that the homeless come down to that store on occasion as they get free items and maybe other donated goods. The shelter itself is about 10 miles away. They have not really been a "problem". I think because many people here a nice to them and recognize them as humans. Now I don't give them money or stop to chat. I do give to their thrift store or shop there. I'd rather support the programs that supports them.
Former HOA President
LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By MelissaP1 on 02/21/2021 8:30 AM
So how did the mayor "push" the homeless out if you can't? Sounds like what they are doing to push them out is working...

BTW: They opened a thrift store near my house. It's for the rescue mission for the homeless in the next city over. That means that the homeless come down to that store on occasion as they get free items and maybe other donated goods. The shelter itself is about 10 miles away. They have not really been a "problem". I think because many people here a nice to them and recognize them as humans. Now I don't give them money or stop to chat. I do give to their thrift store or shop there. I'd rather support the programs that supports them.

What Ejc said is True. The Mayor of the City of Las Vegas "Cleaned Up" wink wink Fremont Street. They did so by passing ordinances that made the Vagrants leave the jurisdiction of the City of Las Vegas into unincorporated Clark County where I live. Twice now since las Wednesday night, The Clark County wetlands were set ablaze. Wednesday night 45 acres burnt, Early this morning 6 additional acres burnt.
There are known vagrant camps in the wetlands, but the law won't do anything about them. I live extremely close to the wetlands. One of these days , fire embers are going to travel either north and torch the community that immediately abuts the Wetlands, or an ember will blow to the west and burn down the homes across from the Wetlands.

We are just plagued with elected leaders that do nothing, on the other hand we have the same bleeding hearts that live in the HOA that I do and bring the homeless into our gated community to bathe at the pool house and stay at the private park.
MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836
Posted:
So the answer is going to the city and making an ordinance so the police can enforce it. Got it...
Former HOA President
LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By MelissaP1 on 02/21/2021 1:09 PM
So the answer is going to the city and making an ordinance so the police can enforce it. Got it...

On the other hand, Our beloved clowns on the county commission last Tuesday, amid all the things that are plaguing the citizens like unemployment, covid; The commissioners thought it was better to put on the agenda and vote to approve renaming McCarran Airport after Harry Reid..... #Priorities

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