Do I have control over who stays on my property?

Hawaii Law Forum
1

So, I own this land, and years ago, my brother brought a house onto it on a truck. Everything was fine until he left and his daughter moved in. Since then, it’s been a revolving door of sketchy people, and now there’s no lease or anything. Can I actually decide who’s allowed to stay there?

2

Yeah, if you own the property, you should have the final say on who lives there. Especially if they’re causing issues, you might be able to get them off legally.

3

Cruz said:
Yeah, if you own the property, you should have the final say on who lives there. Especially if they’re causing issues, you might be able to get them off legally.

That’s what I thought, but they put a restraining order on me… kinda complicated things. Any advice on dealing with that?

4

Cruz said:
Yeah, if you own the property, you should have the final say on who lives there. Especially if they’re causing issues, you might be able to get them off legally.

Whoa, they really put a restraining order? Sounds messy. You might need a lawyer if it’s that serious.

5

I’d say call the police if it’s a drug operation. They’d probably take action since it’s illegal stuff going on.

6

PiusGraySC said:
I’d say call the police if it’s a drug operation. They’d probably take action since it’s illegal stuff going on.

Yeah, I considered that. Just worried it might make things worse, y’know?

7

PiusGraySC said:
I’d say call the police if it’s a drug operation. They’d probably take action since it’s illegal stuff going on.

Totally get that. Sometimes the police just handle the immediate issue, but long-term, you might need to take legal action.

8

If there’s no lease, they’re technically trespassing. Might be worth filing for a court order to get them off.

9

Sam said:
If there’s no lease, they’re technically trespassing. Might be worth filing for a court order to get them off.

Good point! Do you know how to get a court order for something like this?

10

Sam said:
If there’s no lease, they’re technically trespassing. Might be worth filing for a court order to get them off.

You’d file a lawsuit for trespassing and ejectment, but it’s usually easier if you’ve got a lawyer. Legal aid could help if cost is a concern.

11

So the house has been on your property for 30 years? Does that give them any kind of rights? Like squatter’s rights?

12

Finlo said:
So the house has been on your property for 30 years? Does that give them any kind of rights? Like squatter’s rights?

Good question. They’ve been on my property for a while, but not legally. No lease, nothing official. Not sure if that changes things.

13

Finlo said:
So the house has been on your property for 30 years? Does that give them any kind of rights? Like squatter’s rights?

If they’re there without any legal right, you might still have the upper hand. Best to get legal advice though.

14

If you can’t afford an attorney, local legal aid might be able to help. They usually assist with situations like this.

15

Harlem said:
If you can’t afford an attorney, local legal aid might be able to help. They usually assist with situations like this.

Thanks for the tip! I didn’t think of that. Will definitely look into legal aid.