A grieving Decatur family has reclaimed their late father’s home after a group of strangers showed up and took it over less than 48 hours after he died.
“The damages were minimal,” Marlene Oliver-Bruce, one of the siblings who own the home, told 11 Alive News. “There were a couple of spots in the walls that may have been cut out, but more than anything, they were just nasty.”
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The half-million-dollar home, which the family says holds a lifetime of memories, became the backdrop for flashy dance videos posted to social media. The alleged squatters even invited more strangers to come by, though police were able to thwart a pool party planned for the first weekend of June by patrolling outside.
“It is a nightmare,” sister Lisa Heath said in the days before the strangers left. “These videos and advertisements are so far-reaching that we received a call … from someone in Florida that said, ‘Hey, seen your dad’s property on the internet.’"
Lisa, Marlene and their brothers Kevin and Marcus are relieved the brazen takeover has finally ended. But why was it so hard to get their childhood home back?
Sudden takeover
Once the strangers moved in, the siblings immediately called the police. But according to the incident report, the individuals inside the home provided what they claimed was a lease agreement.
“It pisses me off. Tremendously,” said Marlene Oliver-Bruce.
When Kevin went to check on the property himself, he says, the situation escalated quickly.
“They started making threats against my life,” he said. “One of them … came back with a rifle in the doorway… They made it known that I might not make it out of there.”
Marcus Oliver said the entire ordeal felt surreal, especially as both a homeowner and an attorney. He said he’s heard about cases like this but never thought it would happen to him.
“It’s infuriating to see people in that home, destroying it, and partying and inviting other strangers into that home,” he said.
Luckily for the family, Gov. Brian Kemp recently signed the Georgia Squatter Reform Act to vastly expedite the process of bringing alleged squatters to court. Squatting is now a criminal offense in the state, and offenders can be removed in days rather than months or years.
Heath received a voicemail from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, letting them know the alleged squatters had three days to prove the legitimacy of the lease.
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Protect your property
Homeowners and real estate investors face more challenges than rising interest rates and insurance premiums. Across the country, families are finding their homes taken over by unwanted occupiers using bogus leases or legal loopholes.
In many jurisdictions, homeowners may need to spend weeks obtaining a court order to remove squatters through a civil case.
From smart security to legal know-how, here’s what you can do right now to protect your property and your peace of mind:
Keep it secure
Smart security is your first defense. Upgrade deadbolts, install security cameras and consider motion sensors or smart locks with mobile alerts.
These can help keep squatters out and give you the ability to monitor your property.
Keep it looking lived in
An empty home is a magnet for squatters. Keep your property looking occupied by taking care of the lawn regularly, having lights set on timers and asking if neighbors can park in your driveway.
If you own multiple properties or live out of state, consider hiring a licensed property manager. They should take care of checking on the property regularly.
Know the law
Don’t wait until it’s happened to you. Learn your state’s squatter laws and adverse possession statutes. In some areas, squatters can begin claiming legal rights after just 30 days of occupancy.
Some cities allow you to register your vacant property with local law enforcement. This gives police the green light to check on it and step in faster if something seems off.
Get legal help
If someone does move in, don’t confront them alone.
Call the police and consult a lawyer right away. The courts will ultimately decide, and the sooner you start, the sooner you reclaim your property.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
