Woman Finds Out Neighbors Have Been Using Her Late Mom’s House Like A Free Airbnb

Many people consider their neighbors as part of their extended family. They establish a relationship based on trust and help each other during times of need. 

This couple, however, decided to undermine that trust when they used their late neighbor’s house as a hotel for their relatives. They left the home in disarray, infuriating the woman’s family. 

The daughter is now contemplating filing trespassing charges against the couple, but wonders if she has the right to do so. 

A woman is infuriated after learning that her late mom’s house had been used as an accommodation for strangers

Woman on phone appearing stressed in a kitchen, related to neighbors in her late mom's house.

Image credits: ionadidishvili / Envato (not the actual photo)

Her mom’s next-door neighbors had a key to the empty home and allowed their relatives to stay

Text about neighbors using woman's late mom's house as a hotel.

Text describing a woman discovering chaos in her late mom's house, including cigarette smells and unexpected damage.

Text describing the discovery of dirty dishes, leading to the thought of squatters in the late mom's house.

Text on screen discussing a house with scattered clothes, warning to change locks against squatters.

Text conversation about changing locks after neighbors enter late mom's house uninvited.

Text image about neighbors' family visiting from abroad.

Text on a background detailing unauthorized stay in a mother's house by neighbors, causing disturbance.

Police officers at a door, related to neighbors causing destruction in a house.

Image credits: bialasiewicz / Envato (not the actual photo)

She is thinking about filing trespassing charges, but isn’t sure if she has the right to

Text from an incident involving neighbors entering a woman's late mom's house, police contacted for resolution.

Text about possible charges for neighbors in a woman's late mom's house, expressing anger and regret over not changing locks.

Image credits: CustardCreamsfortea

Trespassing isn’t always a criminal offense

Image credits: samuelperales / Envato (not the actual photo)

It is generally understood that trespassing is entering someone else’s property without their permission. However, different jurisdictions impose varying sanctions. 

In the United States, for example, intent matters when determining whether it’s a civil or criminal charge. In some cases, accidentally entering a property does not warrant a trespassing charge because of a lack of intent. 

The same case can apply if an accused person is unaware that the property is off-limits because there are no disclaimer signs or verbal warnings from the owner. 

In the UK, where the story seemed to have taken place, trespassing through squatting is a criminal offense. According to England-based legal firm Milners Solicitors, offenses are punishable with up to six months in prison and/or a £5,000 ($6.600) fine.

Law enforcement can only intervene if the trespassers have caused or plan to cause damage or harm. In the story’s case, the erring neighbors caused a lot of damage and were rightfully arrested. 

But could such instances be prevented? University of Maryland legal specialist Paul Goeringer advises fencing off properties to create deterrents against potential trespassers. Natural buffers that would keep the house from being in plain view from the road would suffice.  

Unfortunately, the author was completely unaware of her mother’s dealings with “Jean” and “John,” and how they had the key to the home. She had to deal with the damage after the fact.

Commenters were appalled by the neighbor’s behavior, as some clarified the laws about trespassing

Text discussing civil vs. criminal offence of trespassing and property damage costs.

Text from a comment about neighbors causing chaos in a late mom's house, discussing the situation with others.

Comment discussing potential trespassing charges for neighbors in a woman's late mom's house situation.

Comment reaction to neighbors causing chaos in late mom's house.

Comment expressing shock about the neighbors in the woman's late mom's house incident.

Text response about disrespectful behavior after neighbors destroy a sofa and throw paint in a woman's late mom's house.

Comment expressing anger over neighbors destroying sofa and making a mess.

Comment by Whynotaxthisyear discussing neighbors in a late mom's house.

Comment by user PooksBear discussing actions taken after neighbors were in a late mom's house.

Comment discussing reckless neighbors damaging property, emphasizing cheeky behavior.

Comment on neighbors in late mom's house, expressing shock over the immoral actions without breaking and entering.

Text conversation about neighbors invading late mom's house, expressing frustration and anger.

Text message from user FuzzyPuffling discussing how neighbors should retrieve belongings.

Text from a user commenting on neighbors causing damage to a house.

The woman provided an update as the story took on a more dramatic turn

Text screenshot discussing a woman discovering neighbors in her late mother's house.

Text screenshot discussing unauthorized use of a late mom's house, mentioning furniture removal and lack of damage.

Neighbors return angrily; police called over house disturbance.

Text describing damage by neighbors in late mom's house, including destroyed sofa and paint thrown everywhere.

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