What if Squatters take your property in Birmingham – WBRC

Birmingham, Ala. (WBRC) – Dealing with squats can be a disappointing and complex process, but the Birmingham police claim that there is a clear legal path for property owners to restore their homes.

Birmingham police officer Truman Fitzgerald says the first step is simple: you need to inform the unauthorized inhabitants that it is time to leave.

“The Birmingham Police Department is here to help you if you have an unauthorized resident in your property,” Fitzgerald said.

According to police, property owners must follow three key steps when dealing with squats:

1. Provide a written notice. This notice can be delivered by hand or posted somewhere in the property.

2. File an AffidavitS If the squats refuse to leave, the next step is to get a declaration and bring it – together with the recorded case – in the area where the property is located.

3. The law enforcement steps. After the police check the documents, the employees have 24 hours to confirm the property before responding to the property.

“Just then, go and get a declaration and carry it together with your recorded case to any section in which the property sits,” Fitzgerald explained.

For example, if the property is in the eastern part of Birmingham, the owner will have to visit the eastern section, etc.

Fitzgerald says that employees prefer the owner of the property to be present when they approach the scout.

“We prefer to have the property owner with us because what we are going to do is say that the unlawful occupant they have to leave, and at that moment, if they do not leave, they can be arrested on the spot,” he said S

It is not clear how often this process is used, but Fitzgerald says it is a valuable legal instrument for both property owners and law enforcement.

“This is a powerful legislative tool we have now available,” he added.

In some cases, the property may have squats, but the owner is not found anywhere. Fitzgerald says this is a separate process.

Police usually investigate ownership records through the Jefferson County Website. While visiting the property, employees have the necessary documentation to remove squats that refuse to leave.

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