Have You Ever Been the Victim of a Squatter?

Squatters are a major problem in California and across the United States, where people occupy a property without permission of the property’s owner. Squatters can cause property damage, including graffiti, theft, and destruction of building materials in addition to physically injuring a property owner. Our organization is initiating legislation that would protect the rights of property owners who are faced with a squatter situation that would streamline the process for removal of squatters. PLEASE HELP US BY TAKING THIS SHORT SURVEY. ALL RESPONSES WILL BE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

(“Squatter” - A squatter is a person who settles in or occupies a piece of property with no legal claim to the property. A squatter lives on a property to which they have no title, right, or lease. A squatter may gain adverse possession of the property through involuntary transfer.)

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* 1. Do you feel squatting is an issue here in California?

Yes, a major issue

Yes, but only somewhat of an issue

No, not really an issue

Unsure

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* 2. Have either you or someone you know ever been victimized by a squatter?

Yes

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* 3. If you responded “No” to Question 2 above, you do not need to continue taking this survey. If you responded “Yes” to Question 2 above, who was victimized by a squatter?

Myself

Member of my immediate family

A relative other than my immediate family

A close friend

A work colleague

A friend or relative of another person

Other person

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* 4. If you responded “Yes” to Question 2 above, please describe the type of property where this squatter incident occurred.

At your primary or secondary residence

At your investment property (residential)

At your investment property (commercial)

At someone else’s property (residential)

At someone else’s property (commercial)

Unsure

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* 5. Where did the squatter incident occur?

In California

Outside California

Unsure

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* 6. At the time the squatter incident occurred, was the property vacant or occupied?

Occupied

Vacant due to remodel / construction

Vacant pending leasing

Other

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* 7. Were the police or sheriff contacted to attempt to resolve the squatter incident?

Yes

Unsure

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* 8. Approximately how long did it take before the squatter incident was resolved? Please indicate.

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* 9. Was there property damage caused by the squatter incident? If yes, indicate approximately how much damage was caused by the squatter (if none, please indicate “0” or “None”):

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* 10. Approximately much did it cost to resolve your issue, including legal costs, and other professionals and fees necessary to finally remove the squatter(s), but excluding costs of repairs? (if none, please indicate “0” or “None” and feel free to provide a breakdown of such costs):

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* 11. Was anyone injured during the process of removing the squatter?

Yes

Unsure

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* 12. Please provide any further details about your squatter incident:

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* 13. If you would be willing to speak with us further, please provide your information below.

Name:

Email Address:

Telephone: