Squatter Problem
I am purchasing a house in Fl that has a relative living in the house without water and electricity for several years. The City has code violations on the property including this man living there without water. What are my options? I would like the police to remove him, but must I file for an eviction first, even though he does't pay rent and it's against the law to live without water. The seller doesn't want to confront him. He's not all there mentally. Thanks for your input.
[addsig]
As a rule if a person came into possession legally it requires an eviction to remove him and he is not a squatter no matter how long he overstays the terms of his tenancy.
That said if he's not all there you have some hope of getting someone else to take over your problem. You could contact your local health care department as well a social service agencies. Especially if he is also old you may be able to find a MD willing to certify that he is not competent and, if so then the police will remove him and take him to a psych facility for evaluation. While he's gone change the locks and otherwise make it difficult for him to return. Meanwhile begin eviction proceedings as soon as you are in title. No point in taking any chances and the $500 it will cost you to get a court order will be money well spent if he shows up again someday.