Squatters, Evictions & Adverse Possession in Maryland: What Every Real Estate Investor Must Know
Understanding the Investor’s Mindset
If you’re a real estate investor searching about squatters, eviction laws, or adverse possession in Maryland, chances are you’re facing (or worried about facing) a serious threat to your investment. Whether it’s a squatter refusing to leave, a drawn-out eviction process draining your resources, or the unsettling idea of someone claiming your property through adverse possession — you’re likely feeling frustrated, uncertain, and exposed.
You’re looking for answers that are clear, practical, and tailored to your financial interest. You want to know:
- How to avoid these issues
- What your legal rights are
- How much these problems could cost you
- And most importantly — how to protect yourself and your property quickly and efficiently
This blog covers the essential knowledge every investor needs, and shows why selling burdensome properties for cash to a trusted buyer like Simple Homebuyers is often a smarter, more profitable solution than fighting these legal headaches.
What Is Squatting — and Why It’s a Real Threat
Squatting is the unauthorized occupation of a property by individuals who have no legal right to be there. While squatters often claim necessity or protest housing inequity, for investors, it’s a liability nightmare.
Once a squatter gains access, they may:
- Refuse to leave without court-ordered eviction
- Damage or vandalize the property
- Engage in criminal activity
- Drain investor resources through utilities, repairs, or legal battles
Example: A vacant duplex left unsecured for 30 days becomes home to squatters. After weeks of calls and warnings, you’re forced into a costly eviction that takes 90+ days and $6,000+ in legal and cleanup fees.
Legal Complexity
Squatter rights vary by state. In many jurisdictions, after a certain amount of time, squatters can claim tenant protections — even though they never signed a lease or paid rent.
The Eviction Process in Maryland: Slow, Costly & Emotionally Draining
Even when dealing with legitimate tenants, eviction is rarely quick or simple. In MD, landlords must adhere to a rigid timeline that often favors the tenant — even if they haven’t paid rent in months.
Standard Eviction Timeline (Approximate):
- 30-day notice to vacate
- 7–30 more days to file in court
- Hearing scheduled 2–6 weeks later
- Grace period post-judgment for tenant to vacate
- Sheriff lockout (requires scheduling, often delayed)
A “simple” eviction in Maryland can easily take 60–90 days or longer, and cost over $4,000–$7,000 in legal fees, missed rent, court filings, locksmiths, and cleanup.
Adverse Possession: Losing Your Property Without Selling It
Adverse possession allows someone to claim legal ownership of your property after occupying it openly and continuously — usually for 10–15 years depending on your state. This applies even if they never paid a dime for it.
In Maryland, adverse possession is a serious threat for absentee investors or landlords who don’t maintain clear possession over long periods.
Warning signs:
- Vacant land or homes not routinely visited
- Overgrown yards or boarded-up windows
- Lack of documentation showing active use
This legal concept was designed to encourage productive land use — but for property owners, it’s a potential landmine.
Why These Issues Are Financial Timebombs for Investors
Let’s summarize the total cost of holding a distressed or risky rental:
| Risk Type | Typical Timeline | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Squatter removal | 2–3 months | $5,000–$10,000+ |
| Tenant eviction | 1–3 months | $4,000–$7,000 |
| Property downtime | Ongoing | $1,000+/month (lost rent) |
| Adverse possession | 10–15 years | Potential loss of property |
It’s not just money. It’s stress, legal liability, and time you’ll never get back.
Cash Out Before the Nightmare Begins
Rather than dealing with problem tenants, squatter threats, or legal traps, many investors choose to sell their property for cash before it deteriorates further.
Why Sell to Simple Homebuyers?
At Simple Homebuyers, we buy properties as-is, with:
- No agents
- No showings
- No repairs required
- No delays due to tenants, squatters, or title issues
We specialize in buying problem properties in Maryland and handling everything from squatters to evictions to title clearing on your behalf. You walk away with cash and peace of mind.
👉 Explore how we helped an investor unload a triplex with 2 nonpaying tenants and $30K in damage — [Case Study Coming Soon]
How to Spot a High-Risk Property Before Buying
Not all investment properties are equal. If you’re thinking of buying — or already own — a rental in Maryland, here’s how to screen for red flags:
- Vacancy over 60 days
- No clear tenant contracts
- No property management in place
- Poor condition, vandalism, or past squatters
- Owned by an out-of-state investor
Want to avoid those headaches entirely? We can help you offload properties like these fast and clean.
What Property Owners Think They’ll Gain (But Often Don’t)
Many investors hold on to headache properties because they hope for:
- Long-term appreciation
- Eventual cash flow
- Tenant cooperation
- The ability to “fix it later”
But reality often includes:
- Constant maintenance calls
- Nonpaying occupants
- Legal filings
- Emotional drain and burnout
Instead of chasing hope, some investors choose certainty — a fair cash offer and clean break.
You Have Two Choices
- Hold your property, risk legal entanglements, squatters, eviction delays, or even loss via adverse possession
- Sell to Simple Homebuyers for a fair cash offer, close quickly, and move on with your capital intact
Related Resource:
🔗 Sell My House Fast in Gaithersburg – If you’re managing properties in other MD cities and are done dealing with tenant nightmares, this guide outlines a fast cash exit strategy.
Conclusion: Why Risk What You Can Cash Out?
Owning real estate isn’t always passive — especially when it’s vulnerable to occupancy disputes or legal drama. Squatters, evictions, and adverse possession are more than just “issues” — they’re potential disasters for your investment portfolio.
You deserve better than ongoing headaches, unpredictable costs, and slow legal systems. That’s why many smart investors are choosing to sell their high-risk properties to Simple Homebuyers — for a fast, clean, and cash-backed solution.
Ready to protect your time, equity, and sanity?
📞 Call Simple Homebuyers today or get your fair cash offer online.