How does one squat?

[Political_Chucky]

http://www.davedraper.com/site%20images/goblet-squat.jpg

I was wondering if anyone here has squatted before, what types of preparation is needed, what your lifestyle was...etc. I know there are squatter guides in the DIY forum but I just wanted to hear from peoples experiences:D

[Dr Mindbender]

the laws will probably differ depending what country you are in, but i know that here in the uk you can claim squatters rights- (i think as long as you did not have to break in or force your way in to acquire access) but someone must remain in the property at all times otherwise you can be legally removed. For that reason, its never a good idea to squat alone and you must be in a group.

It works for some people but personally it is not for me and i wouldnt do it. My advice to you would probably dont do it either and try to pursue an amicable agreement with a landlord first. Especially if youre not from an economically stable background and dont have family to turn to. Before the idealistic 'sock it to the man brigade' throw their placards at me let me just say this -There is a lot of implications if you need to rely on the welfare state or need legal status but do not legitimately live at the address or if you need a reference from the landlord or something like that. In addition to the fact that you have the stress of knowing that the legal owner of the property may push to have you removed and you can end up on the street at any time very easilly. If that happens it could be very hard for you if you fall between the cracks of the social system because without a legal tenancy history it may be harder if not downright impossible for you to acquire credit, welfare or employment. Just sayin'.

[FreeFocus]

the laws will probably differ depending what country you are in, but i know that here in the uk you can claim squatters rights- (i think as long as you did not have to break in or force your way in to acquire access) but someone must remain in the property at all times otherwise you can be legally removed. For that reason, its never a good idea to squat alone and you must be in a group.

If that type of law existed in the US, given the foreclosure crisis and the vast number of uninhabited homes, there could've been (there could be anyway, but without such protections) a serious movement against homelessness and poverty. Have there been such actions (occupying foreclosed homes) in the UK?

[Political_Chucky]

If that type of law existed in the US, given the foreclosure crisis and the vast number of uninhabited homes, there could've been (there could be anyway, but without such protections) a serious movement against homelessness and poverty. Have there been such actions (occupying foreclosed homes) in the UK?
That's a good point. I assume laws here in the U.S. are probably non-existent hmm?

[The Douche]

If that type of law existed in the US, given the foreclosure crisis and the vast number of uninhabited homes, there could've been (there could be anyway, but without such protections) a serious movement against homelessness and poverty. Have there been such actions (occupying foreclosed homes) in the UK?

Squatters rights vary by state here. Usually depending on method of attaining the property, condition, improvements made, and length of occupation.

[redSHARP]

i think crimethink might have something about that.

[An archist]

I was wondering if anyone here has squatted before, what types of preparation is needed, what your lifestyle was...etc. I know there are squatter guides in the DIY forum but I just wanted to hear from peoples experiences:D

Well, first of all, it's better not to do with just one person;)
And you'd best look up the laws about squatting in your area and try to find out how the police usually react.

But basically you try to get inside without breaking anything, if that doesn't work, then you make sure the break-in isn't noticeable. You make sure the owner can't just walk in, by changing the locks, boarding windows, ...
And then you hope the owner and cops let you stay there.

[Tablo]

To be honest a friend and I have been seriously considering squatting since we don't want to have to deal with rent. Not sure how I will feel about the lack of electricity/running water though.

[ÑóẊîöʼn]

To be honest a friend and I have been seriously considering squatting since we don't want to have to deal with rent. Not sure how I will feel about the lack of electricity/running water though.

In the UK at least, utility companies don't seem to care who actually owns the place - they only care about the bills being paid and in the case of gas, access for essential work. It appears they think nothing else is their concern.

[Tablo]

In the UK at least, utility companies don't seem to care who actually owns the place - they only care about the bills being paid and in the case of gas, access for essential work. It appears they think nothing else is their concern.
Well I'm in the US and the buildings my friend and I have been looking at are pretty old and have been condemned for a long time. We could probably find something newer though.

[Aloysius]

There aren't any squatter laws in the US anymore, but there are "adverse possession" laws and statutes, but they vary from state to state.
Usually, you'd need to have paid taxes, and in Indiana, live on the property for at least 10 years, with permission of the owner, of course.

[Political_Chucky]

Well I' in the US and the buildings my friend and I have been looking at are pretty old and have been condemned for a long time. We could probably find something newer though.

I live in so-cal and there are plenty of old houses downtown, but I just don't know the laws here especially since this city is really conservative

[Tablo]

I live in Alabama and in our biggest city, Birmingham, we have many abandoned buildings that are squatted. My friend and I were planning to move up North though.

[Political_Chucky]

I live in Alabama and in our biggest city, Birmingham, we have many abandoned buildings that are squatted. My friend and I were planning to move up North though.

Alabama sounds like it would be very rural, hence there being less people and easier to squat then here in cali haha.

[Tablo]

Alabama sounds like it would be very rural, hence there being less people and easier to squat then here in cali haha.
We have a few cities. It isn't as rural as everyone thinks. Birmingham used to be a major southern iron and steel city. Since people have moved out of the city(thanks to the growth of the suburbs and the destruction of Birmingham's steel production) there are lots of great places for squatting.

[An archist]

To be honest a friend and I have been seriously considering squatting since we don't want to have to deal with rent. Not sure how I will feel about the lack of electricity/running water though.

Well, again, not sure, how this is in the US, but I've seen quite some squats where there was still water and electricity. Or where it was really easy to get them fixed (illegally).
So check out a few buildings before you actually squat and look for water and electricity.

[Tablo]

I will definitely look into it. If we can at least get electricity we will be pretty well off. We can hit up hoses for water.

[Jack]

I expected a thread about working out...

[Fawkes]

http://stronglifts.com/how-to-squat-with-proper-technique-fix-common-problems/

http://www.isteroids.com/isteroids_newsletter_august/images/squat2.gif