Squatters have been an issue around others parts of the Valley, but Sun City West has not seen a problem and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office officials are telling residents law enforcement remains vigilant.
Sun City West Posse Cmdr. Carolyn Patterson said nearly every day she is hearing from residents about safety concerns regarding potential squatters in Sun City West, but it is not currently a problem.
MCSO District 3 Capt. Brian Stutsman said in other cities squatters have moved into homes and law enforcement is arresting the owners when trying to remove the squatters.
“That is not going to happen here as long as I am around,” Stutsman said.
Basically there are four different situations regarding squatters for homeowners, Stutsman said. If anyone moves into an individual’s home, that is trespassing. A homeowner does not need to put up a no trespassing sign as it is automatically assumed no one can go on to someone’s property.
The second one officials are seeing, according to Stutsman, are situations where a homeowner has passed away and permission was given to someone to stay in the home and the only way he said that person can be removed is through eviction.
“The other big thing is if I drive by a house or a suspect is driving by and sees an abandoned house and breaks in, then changes the locks. Next they put up an ad on Craigslist for lease and someone thinks they are legitimately the homeowner and pay first and last month’s rent. Those people continue to pay rent until the real owner realizes someone has moved in,” Stutsman explained.
The fourth option, Stutsman said is a commitment if someone moves out onto a piece of property and can stay there undiscovered or 10 years you become a resident at that point.
Recreation Centers of Sun City West officials said there has been very little of this happening in Sun City West.
“We actually see cases where a relative might be helping care for an individual and that person is institutionalized or passes away and the person intended to be the caregiver stays in the home,” Recreation Centers of Sun City West Community Properties Manager James Riley said.
Being proactive is key, and Riley said people should get to know their neighbors and have trusted individuals keep an eye out when homeowners are away. Or residents can take advantage of the Sun City West Posse Vacation Watch program. Another option according to Riley, is to install a surveillance system to know if someone is inside and as soon as homeowners figure out someone has broken in, to call MCSO.
“If they cannot get in, then they cannot squat,” Riley said.
We’d like to invite our rea can ders to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.
Jennifer Jimenez be reached at jjimenez@iniusa.org, or on Twitter @scw_independent.
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