Evicting Squatters

[distillingwater]

I'm not sure if this is the right place, but you guys always have the answers for just about any question.

A friend of mine is renting a building that will serve the purpose of an all ages music venue. It is a large warehouse, with 3 apartments upstairs.

Here is the problem: there are 3 squatters living in the upstairs apartments.
The owner of the

Comments

[fidgetspin]

Legally, it isn't. Squatting is considered a civil matter in which someone is occupying a space deemed abandoned. If the squatter has made improvements or put their own locks on the door(demonstrating restricted access) , for example, they are putting very valid steps in place to obtain ownership through adverse possession. Most places have laws pertaining to squatters, usually with a time limit between 5 and 15 years that they have to squat before making a play for ownership.
On the otherhand, if there are signs of forced entry this IS trespassing and can be handled as a criminal matter.
In the case of squatting, this can take months and probably can only be handled by the owner, who must prove ownership, that the place isn't or hasn't been abandoned, and that he never gave permission for them to be there. He needs to first file a claim of repossession of the property with the county clerk and in the meantime, there are professional evicters rather than cops.
I'm assuming that Canada is similar to the US, but this is what I know. Good luck, OP!

[syrinx]

I hope he sued the person who told him it was his condo.

[flamingophoenix]

Isn't this why title insurance exists? (Or did this happen in a not-USA country?)