Do Squatters Have More Rights Than Homeowners In Michigan?

Have you heard about a squatter being able to take control of a home?

It is something that can happen.

Can it happen in the state of Michigan? Do they have more rights than a Michigan homeowner?

Get our free mobile app

Squatters Experience

Adele Andaloro of Flushing, Queens, New York inherited her family's home after her parents passed away.

According to ABC 7, while she was in the process of selling the house, she noticed that she had a problem.

Someone had changed the entire front door and the lock of the family home.

While Adele went to the property with her deed in hand, she found two people and none of her belongings inside the house.

Long story short, the police were called and when the two people could not provide documentation of ownership, they were escorted off the property and the locks were changed.

Could this be an issue in Michigan?

Do Squatters Have More Rights Than Homeowners In Michigan?

While squatters have rights in states across the country, including Michigan, squatters do not have more rights than homeowners.

Credit: Canva

To make a successful claim as a squatter, the person would have to meet the following requirements stated in MCL § 600.5801.

Occupy the property for at least 15 consecutive years.
Occupy the property, pay property taxes, and have color of title for at least ten consecutive years.

Innago shared that,

"The latter case applies in Michigan—for squatters who have been living on a property between ten and 15 years, color of title (along with payment of all property taxes) is required before making an adverse possession claim. However, if the squatter’s possession reaches 15 years, color of title and the obligation to pay property taxes are no longer required by Michigan law for an adverse possession claim."

Can Police Remove Squatters In Michigan?

They can if the situation calls for it.

Police can visit the property and ticket or arrest any person/occupants for illegal occupancy or squatting,

Michigan Municipal League states that,

"If a property owner reports the criminal trespass and can provide evidence of ownership (e.g., a deed), law enforcement may be able to remove occupants from the site."