Let’s say you have a property you haven’t used in a while and want to sell. Then, you find yourself face-to-face with squatters who have taken up unauthorized residence in your property.
Can you sell a house with squatters still in it? Next Step Offers has the run-down on what you can do if you find squatters living in your property.
First, Take a Breath
Many owners rightfully get angry upon learning someone lives in their property without their consent. Even so, don’t lose your temper.
For example, you cannot change the locks on the property or physically remove them on your own. Breathe deeply, exhale, and don’t unnecessarily jump into legal trouble.
Nevada’s Squatters’ Rights
Nevada has adverse possession laws that the squatter might follow. As of 2025, they must meet these requirements to take legal ownership of a property in Nevada:
- Physically occupy the property
- Make it obvious that they are occupying the property to the public
- Be occupying it without the owner’s permission
- Maintain exclusive and uninterrupted occupancy for five years
- Pay all property taxes during those five years, showing valid tax receipts
If they have done these five steps and obtained a quiet title, the property is theirs. Otherwise, you still maintain some property rights.
Start the Squatter Removal Process
Can you sell a house with squatters still in it? Yes, but it severely shrinks the buyer pool. It may be better to affirm your legal ownership.
You can try a few options to start the eviction process:
Send a Formal Notice To Quit
You serve them with an eviction notice. Be sure that the notice information follows Nevada’s legal guidelines. You can take the issue to court if they fail to move out within the allotted time.
We highly advise working with a lawyer with squatter-related experience.
Offer Incentives
Some property owners find common ground with the squatters. For example, some will consult a lawyer and create a lease or sale agreement with the occupants. Others offer to find alternative housing for the squatter.
Another option, “cash for keys,” is where the property owner pays the squatter to leave. While it sounds counterintuitive, it can be less expensive than lengthy court proceedings.
Work With a Real Estate Investor
Some real estate investors have bought houses after hoarding; others have directly bought houses previously occupied by squatters. After all, we have more resources than the general property owner and network with others to share squatter removal tips.
You can tap into that network by discussing the squatters with a potential cash home buyer company. Providing this buyer disclosure builds trust between you and the company you team with.
Sell a Squatted House ASAP
Can you sell a house with squatters in it? With Next Step Offers, you can.
We have a dedicated team of experts specialized in squatter issues. We’ve bought homes in various circumstances, good, bad, and ugly. If you don’t want to deal with squatter eviction woes, count on us to do it for you.
Call (702) 389-1919 for a hassle-free offer on your squatter-occupied property today.