DAnverQueen
Junior Member
Ohio
Before attempting to squat, I figured I'd first make sure I'm going about it in a way that keeps me out of legal trouble. I understand that in Ohio I can't have squatters rights or adverse possession for 21 years, but I don't plan on being here that long. I more need to know that if what I'm doing is illegal and what rights, if any, I have.
I have found a property that I believe to be owned by the bank. It used to be a bait shop, but after closing several years ago it has remained empty and unused. There are no posted signs or no trespassing signs that I have seen, so I decided to check it out and the front door was unlocked. Interestingly, there is another squatter in a house a little ways off from the bait shop. He is a university professor and has lived there for the last 5 years without anyone bothering him about it. He has looked for somebody he could pay rent to, and seemingly can't find anyone. Anyhow, under these circumstances, if I move in am I breaking any laws? Also, can the bank or person who owns the property just come take my possessions and throw me out, or if I'm asked to leave will I have an allotted amount of time to do so?
Thank you for any input. Being in college and being an art major, finding a nice open space to live and work on projects is hard to do!
Before attempting to squat, I figured I'd first make sure I'm going about it in a way that keeps me out of legal trouble. I understand that in Ohio I can't have squatters rights or adverse possession for 21 years, but I don't plan on being here that long. I more need to know that if what I'm doing is illegal and what rights, if any, I have.
I have found a property that I believe to be owned by the bank. It used to be a bait shop, but after closing several years ago it has remained empty and unused. There are no posted signs or no trespassing signs that I have seen, so I decided to check it out and the front door was unlocked. Interestingly, there is another squatter in a house a little ways off from the bait shop. He is a university professor and has lived there for the last 5 years without anyone bothering him about it. He has looked for somebody he could pay rent to, and seemingly can't find anyone. Anyhow, under these circumstances, if I move in am I breaking any laws? Also, can the bank or person who owns the property just come take my possessions and throw me out, or if I'm asked to leave will I have an allotted amount of time to do so?
Thank you for any input. Being in college and being an art major, finding a nice open space to live and work on projects is hard to do!
Last edited: