Squatters taken over my new home, need to backyard vanlife?

[HomelessLandlord]

It's a VERY long story but in short, I'm on the verge of being a homeless new homeowner because I have squatters in my new home and new NY laws gives them all the rights and me nearly none. They have essentially banned evictions...sort of, but not really. Reality is, its supper easy to live for free and avoid eviction for quite a while and super hard for landlords to take possession of their own properties.

So my apartment lease has expired but I can't move into my house due to squatters and I have an over $5000 mortgage to pay with only one tenant paying. This is not sustainable. So I want to move into a van, but this is kind of unique situation since I have a home and will be living there, I just don't have access to be inside my own home. This means:

- I have access to running water in my utility room
-I have access to my electricity
-I can park forever
-I actually have a large unfinished basement filled with junk from probably over a 100 years (literally), with no pluming or power
-I would only need this for maybe 6-12 months, BUT I might be able to stay with family for short periods, meaning I might only be in van 2-3 weeks at a time.

So I think this is a very odd ball scenario compared to most of you. I don't need a hardcore van, because I can just plug into extension cord for power and I can carry water from the front of the house to the van. What can I do with unfinished basement? Should I be looking into that instead? Its VERY unfinished. You have potential mold. Spider infestation. Exposed ceiling with raw insulation exposed. Walls have exposed beams. And you have a BRUTAL winter coming fast! Also have limited funds since I just bought a house and I have legal expenses coming fast. My credit just took a dive because I have that $5000+ mortgage to pay, so my credit balances have skyrocketed from $0 to over $20k. So I need cheap cheap cheap.

So questions:
VAN ROUTE: What kind of van makes sense for this kind of LIGHT backyard vanlife experience? I found an old bus for $9000, but my driveway is very narrow even for a normal SUV. Not sure I could make it back there. I have to measure. Then I thought about just eating the cost of financing something up to $30k. All I need is a place to setup my computer workstation with hopefully two screens and my laptop and a bed for 6 foot tall me alone and I need to be warm for winter.

Basement route:
What would it take money wise to make it livable and warm for winter? Installing basic shower/toilet?

What route would you take?

 

[maki2]

You need an attorney. In many areas that Covid moratorium on no evictions has expired.

Of course you could investigate the possibility of legally starting a noisy and messy construction project such widening the driveway.

 

[HomelessLandlord]

You need an attorney. In many areas that Covid moratorium on no evictions has expired.

Of course you could investigate the possibility of legally starting a noisy and messy construction project such widening the driveway.

The legal profession in this country consists of many scammers who take your money and do next to nothing. Case is point:
My buyer attorney AND the seller attorney both screwed us
I have been trying to find one for weeks and now I've decided to hire the best of the worst, since every attorney lacks even a basic understanding of the new eviction law.

In short, landlords clearly have been getting ripped of in the last year, because the average attorney is not even aware of the FEW exceptions that allow you to evict. Think about that. There are only 2-3 situations where you can evict...and most if not all attorneys I speak to dont know them. What have they been doing for the last year? How can you handle an eviction without even knowing the few ways that it is allowed?
As far as eviction restrictions ending. Basically that is a 100% no. You are speaking of the moratorium. However they have written into law ERAP rules which make the tentants able to stop any eviction you try. They just apply for ERAP and they you are shut down. Then attorney just pretends to work for you by just showing up every month for 5 minutes to hear "Adjourned, pending application".

So I will try the legal route, but its not looking good EVEN with my qualifying for the exceptions. In the meanwhile I need a place to live (sleep/work)

 

[Frood]

You will at the very least need a hyper-insulated van... Unless I'm completely off base, don't NY winters get quite frigid? You said 6 months so that puts you in the van until next spring...

Not knowing the situation of what's going on all I can say is that your situation seems to be really horrible. Sounds like the previous owner was kind of a shady landlord which likely just compounded the problem. It sounds like you really do need to find a good lawyer. You may have a case not only against the current tenants but both of your previous lawyers/attorneys as well as the real estate agent and seller if the situation wasn't disclosed during the purchase process. Finding a good, trustworthy attorney is the catch here I guess.

 

[bullfrog]

Have you checked into putting in a shed for an additional living unit if you have room. Many are used for AirBnbs are in states that allow this. If you are spending money you might as well get something you can profit from.

 

[D'L]

Your situation is dreadful and I am sorry you are going through this.
I guess this is a good lesson for all of us -- do not ever buy a house that has renters in it if you intend to live in it.
In fact, probably best not to buy a house with renters in it, period.

I hope you can find some legal way to rectify this situation.

 

[tx2sturgis]

So my apartment lease has expired but I can't move into my house due to squatters and I have an over $5000 mortgage to pay with only one tenant paying. This is not sustainable. So I want to move into a van, but this is kind of unique situation since I have a home and will be living there, I just don't have access to be inside my own home. This means:

- I have access to running water in my utility room
-I have access to my electricity
-I can park forever
-I actually have a large unfinished basement filled with junk from probably over a 100 years (literally), with no pluming or power
-I would only need this for maybe 6-12 months, BUT I might be able to stay with family for short periods, meaning I might only be in van 2-3 weeks at a time.

Wait...is that $5000 per MONTH?

Or are you behind $5000?

Wowsers.

I see our members are tossing out some good suggestions for you ....OTOH few of us have probably ever been in such a situation.

My first thought that comes to mind as far a vehicle is concerned, is maybe you need to find a decent mini-van with room in the back to make a bed, and it will already have some insulation around the passenger area, and you can always remove a seat if you had to for more interior room. A minivan should be easier to park, will fit just about anywhere that a normal car will, and will also easily function as a daily driver. You wont have any issues with licensing or registration or insurance. You dont need any more problems or issues at this point!

In addition to the minivan, is there room, and would it be acceptable, and legal, if you set up a small cabin tent in the back yard? A decent little cabin tent would allow you to have some standing room, a place for a cot, maybe a small area for a folding chair and a cooler, maybe a tiny folding camp table. A place to store clothes and a place to stand up while getting dressed.

Let us know how this all turns out, ok?

 

[jacqueg]

I'd look into building a small, well-insulated room in your basement.

And I second the idea of making your "tenants" lives as unpleasant as possible.

And yes, you need an attorney. Also, have you contacted your city/municipality for advice? You never know, it might be useful.

 

[HomelessLandlord]

Yes, its a mess and I have to understand it can get worst. Same as they make these laws, they can make them worst. Also, once I do move in, I lose a TON of power. Needing to move in, is the most power I can have. If I already live in my house, getting people out will be an even crazier nightmare.

BTW, this will push rents up and destroy the rental assistance programs as homeowners are now terified of renting and government program tenants. They have made section 8 and other programs like a leprosy.

You will at the very least need a hyper-insulated van... Unless I'm completely off base, don't NY winters get quite frigid? You said 6 months so that puts you in the van until next spring...

Not knowing the situation of what's going on all I can say is that your situation seems to be really horrible. Sounds like the previous owner was kind of a shady landlord which likely just compounded the problem. It sounds like you really do need to find a good lawyer. You may have a case not only against the current tenants but both of your previous lawyers/attorneys as well as the real estate agent and seller if the situation wasn't disclosed during the purchase process. Finding a good, trustworthy attorney is the catch here I guess.

Have you checked into putting in a shed for an additional living unit if you have room. Many are used for AirBnbs are in states that allow this. If you are spending money you might as well get something you can profit from.

Will have to look into this. Any tips on what to search? Just google "small shed for sale" or something? Sorry if stupid question. City slicker here. lol

 

[HomelessLandlord]

I'd look into building a small, well-insulated room in your basement.

And I second the idea of making your "tenants" lives as unpleasant as possible.

And yes, you need an attorney. Also, have you contacted your city/municipality for advice? You never know, it might be useful.

Thanks for tip. I'm going to try to meet with mayor and any other official I can. Will go to townhalls too. Also looking into media.

 

[Morgana]

The American Bar Association has a program where you can get an initial consult for a nominal fee. I believe it operates in all states. They can't solve your problem but they can give you a good overview of what your options are, and maybe a general idea of whether the legal advice you've gotten so far is legit. I used it twice, about 10-15 years ago, and I believe the fee then was $25. I know it's tempting to conclude that "they're all crooks and I'm screwed" (which is sort of how I feel about dentists at the moment lol but one must carry on , but an ABA consult might be able to help you take a step back and see if you have any more options.

From the housing end, I'd just say make sure the space you create is secure (lock-able, solid, clear path between your vehicle and the house features you're using, etc.) -- especially since you're in an adversary situation with unsavory types on the premises, and double-especially if you're planning on trying to make their lives unpleasant.

There are plenty of abusive landlords too, and plenty of good Section 8 people. This system just doesn't have the safeguards it needs for anyone, apparently. A rough situation for you -- good luck!

 

[bullfrog]

Take a look at “incredible tiny homes” on YouTube with their “incredibox” 8’ x 16’ tiny home/RV. Manufactured in Tennessee so labor and material costs are lower, light weight enough to pull with a rental truck, insulated better than your house most likely! Basically a studio apartment with a full bath and can be built as self contained or off grid as you feel you will need. Sell, move or rent it when you get things straightened out. Situations like this are one reason short term rentals like AirBnb make sense.

 

[HomelessLandlord]

Wait...is that $5000 per MONTH?

Or are you behind $5000?

Wowsers.

I see our members are tossing out some good suggestions for you ....OTOH few of us have probably ever been in such a situation.

My first thought that comes to mind as far a vehicle is concerned, is maybe you need to find a decent mini-van with room in the back to make a bed, and it will already have some insulation around the passenger area, and you can always remove a seat if you had to for more interior room. A minivan should be easier to park, will fit just about anywhere that a normal car will, and will also easily function as a daily driver. You wont have any issues with licensing or registration or insurance. You dont need any more problems or issues at this point!

In addition to the minivan, is there room, and would it be acceptable, and legal, if you set up a small cabin tent in the back yard? A decent little cabin tent would allow you to have some standing room, a place for a cot, maybe a small area for a folding chair and a cooler, maybe a tiny folding camp table. A place to store clothes and a place to stand up while getting dressed.

Let us know how this all turns out, ok?

Hi,

Believe it or not I got a huge discount. The mortgage should be closer to $9000, but the area I bought in, is going through massive gentrification. So I have prime real estate, but in an area that mostly looks like crap (unlike where I am). We are talking about over 4000 square feet. I almost paid $850k for 1/3 less space in a FLOOD ZONE.

I got an excellent deal, if you just ignore the nightmare baggage. This house will either bury me, or set me up from now until retirement. That was the plan. Get a house that paid for itself so I could unplug from the chains of my career.
I'm actually starting to lean more towards finishing the basement. Doing the easy work, then hiring people to do the rest. And only going as far as I NEED for now. Like maybe I focus on making one room 100% and leave the rest mostly unfinished. I just need:

Warm area to sleep and work
Shower and toilet

So I'm thinking build a wall to create a room for sleep/work and 100% finish the room. Then from there, do whatever I like when I like..with the rest of basement. I don't need 900 square feet to sleep and work!

 

[HomelessLandlord]

Take a look at “incredible tiny homes” on YouTube with their “incredibox” 8’ x 16’ tiny home/RV. Manufactured in Tennessee so labor and material costs are lower, light weight enough to pull with a rental truck, insulated better than your house most likely! Basically a studio apartment with a full bath and can be built as self contained or off grid as you feel you will need. Sell, move or rent it when you get things straightened out. Situations like this are one reason short term rentals like AirBnb make sense.

I like the idea of keeping it and renting later. That would justify higher cost of getting something really nice. Hmmm...

Wonder what insurance looks like for something like that, that you are renting out.

 

[HomelessLandlord]

Thank you so much, everybody for your suggestions.

 

[WanderingRose]

What a mess.

I would visit your local Sheriff’s office regarding what exactly is needed to evict squatters, and perhaps also your Circuit Clerk’s office to see about getting before a judge.

You can hand-write many petitions, and it may be that an Order of Protection can be granted.

In the meantime, I would take possession of whatever of this house you can access, get yourself in there and make it liveable.

I think allowing them to keep you out of your own home just encourages them to stay.

Good luck.

 

[bullfrog]

You really should take a closer look at what AirBnb is all about and what it can do for you. It is working well for us!

 

[Happy Camper]

Staying away from the legal aspect of this, here are a few ideas I have.

Would a box truck fit in your driveway? It doesn't have to be massive. The box is square and a lot easier to insulate and gives you room to do what you need. Just leave it parked on premises and use it as needed.

That keeps you "homeless" legally, which you said helps. Building it out can be as simple or complex as you want. Cheap or expensive as well. It doesn't have to be in great shape since it's going to sit there.

Let the local police know that it'll be staying there, just in case the squatters try to get it towed. Don't overthink this part of things. Keep it simple and save your money.

Since you have electricity, I would install a few cheap cameras on top to watch your property and truck.

 

[JeepLiving]

Be careful that the squatted property doesn't experience a sudden influx of rats. This time of year they start looking for indoor spaces to winter in. I remember once renting an apartment that suddenly became invested with small mice and we couldn't get out soon enough. A bunch of rats would be worse. This can even lead to a home being condemned by the local health department at which point it must be vacated immediately. Once the house is empty, you'll need to eradicate the rodent population and get it un-condemned, but then you'll be rid of both varieties of rats.

 

[RV411]

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• They put out a dry heat& won't add to your moisture concerns.
• You can look on YouTube for how to easily run the exhaust pipe out of an existing window

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