SQUATTING IN STYLE: Couple claims strangers moved into their new $379.6K home and are refusing to leave
CLINTON, MARYLAND: A couple in Maryland, who recently paid $379,600 for a property, were reportedly shocked to discover that a bunch of haphazard strangers had moved into their home and were refusing to leave. The couple will now need to file a complaint in the district court to resolve the matter, as per Maryland law.
The five-bedroom house at 10716 Dragoo Place in Clinton, Maryland, was under contract to be purchased by the couple on October 20, 2022, but they were astonished to discover that it was already occupied. And when the couple drove past the property rejoicing about their new purchase, the wife noticed a U-Haul in the driveway and people moving in. According to real estate agent Melea King, she attempted to address the new renters but they refused to leave after showing her what they claimed to be a contract for the property. According to Daily Mail, King said, “It seems as though someone has tried to take possession of the property. We have an agreed, signed ratified contract with the bank' to purchase, what she says, was the previously vacant and foreclosed upon home.” The real estate agent has alleged that the lease that was inspected by Prince George's County Police Department investigators was not accurate and the invading strangers are trespassing on private property.
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Later, the police department acknowledged that one of its officers visited the home on Thursday, October 20, 2022, but stated that at this stage, the situation appears to be a "civil matter" for the sheriff's office. The strangers are still residing at the house despite notices posted to the public, asking them not to enter and warning them that it is private property.
A man called Quinn allegedly held the lease, according to the men who were residing there when a reporter from WUSA attempted to speak with them. Despite not knowing his last name, they recognized Quinn as their uncle.
In addition, a neighbor told Daily Mail that the home has been emitting a marijuana odor and is occupied by a mother and her infant child. “I'm not real comfortable right now with everything that's going on, and I've been here 20 years so I hope it could be resolved really soon,” she said. But, King narrated, “We just don't know what to do at this point. It should not be taking this long for this to be addressed,” she added, as the couple demands answers from the bank about how the squatters were able to get inside.
In the state of Maryland, citizens must file a complaint in their district court in order to evict squatters. After the complaint has been filed, the squatters will receive a summons. A jury trial can be requested by either party. The 2,743-sqft property had previously been offered on the real estate search engine Redfin. It stated that the five-bedroom house requires renovation but added that the $379,000 sale price takes that into account. A huge eat-in kitchen, a living room with a fireplace, and a sizable backyard are all seen in the listing's photos.