Introduction to identity: currently starting an adverse possession adventure

[identity]

Hi folks,

I'll go by identity here. I'm currently working on improving a rural property in California with the prospect of eventually filing for quiet title of the property in five years through adverse possession. I have experience squatting both short and long term and have worked with Homes Not Jails. Today I tore out some rat piss carpet, cleaned the roof and gutters, and got the electricity turned on in my name. I am here to offer what help I can from my experiences and to hopefully get some answers to challenges as they arise (right now I am trying to find a way to get legit water service to my property without a deed--I know, I could get the water for free with a section of pipe or hose where the meter typically would be but having a water bill in my name helps my case in the long run). Anybody know any social engineering tips or work-arounds with this? The lady at the water company specifically asked for a date of sale to confirm the deed. Does anyone know if they actually check that info? The other option is to make a deal with the neighbor to run water from next door.

Besides the adverse possession project, I'm planning on going on some bikepacking trips this winter and documenting it if anyone is into that sort of thing.

Glad to be here,
identity

 

[Koala]

Welcome!

Fuck yeah to Homes Not Jails. I got some homies in Australia who've been doing that on and off for a while. I've never squatted in the US so I dont have any info on your water issue, but I always remember water being easy to get on in Australia because...how can they deny water? Maybe you could call as the tenant and you have a baby and need water!

And fuck yeah to bikepacking! A bikepacking trip I did on the Olympic Peninsula in WA has been my favorite part of my summer for sure. What routes are you planning on?

 

[Jimmy Beans]

We squatted a house over 4 years ago that my nephew is still squatting to this day. We just signed up for all of our utilities online and everything went through with no issues, water included. In California, Fresno county. It's weird they even care for that information. Are you telling them you bought the house? We just acted as if we were new renters when it came to utility companies. You don't need anything from utility companies backing up the adverse possession claims like as far as it listing you as an owner or renter or whatever they have you down as on their end(as far as I know) you just need to use that shit like it's your own, make improvements, document it all, pay the back taxes and get through 5 years without the owner throwing a wrench in the plans.

 

[identity]

Welcome!

Fuck yeah to Homes Not Jails. I got some homies in Australia who've been doing that on and off for a while. I've never squatted in the US so I dont have any info on your water issue, but I always remember water being easy to get on in Australia because...how can they deny water? Maybe you could call as the tenant and you have a baby and need water!

And fuck yeah to bikepacking! A bikepacking trip I did on the Olympic Peninsula in WA has been my favorite part of my summer for sure. What routes are you planning on?

Hi Koala,

The Olympic peninsula sounds like an epic ride, I love the mossy forest up there. I'm still working out locations based on pleasant winter weather. Most recently I've been looking at Croatia and sections of the Tour Divide.

 

[identity]

We squatted a house over 4 years ago that my nephew is still squatting to this day. We just signed up for all of our utilities online and everything went through with no issues, water included. In California, Fresno county. It's weird they even care for that information. Are you telling them you bought the house? We just acted as if we were new renters when it came to utility companies. You don't need anything from utility companies backing up the adverse possession claims like as far as it listing you as an owner or renter or whatever they have you down as on their end(as far as I know) you just need to use that shit like it's your own, make improvements, document it all, pay the back taxes and get through 5 years without the owner throwing a wrench in the plans.

Hi Eng JR Lupo RV323,

I did make the mistake of telling the operator over the phone that I owned the place because their website basically said don't contact them as the tenant and have the owner contact them. I know it's weird. I think I will just try to go forward as the tenant and see what I can do. The owner has been dead for years so they won't be reachable obviously.

 

[Crazy Hobo Johnny]

Welcome Aboard to StP!!!

Nice intro! Bikepacking? Heck yeah! I've been doing short bikepacking trips on my days off and stealth camping. Getting as much done before the cold air comes in!

Good Luck and again, Welcome Aboard!

 

[Jimmy Beans]

Hi Eng JR Lupo RV323,

I did make the mistake of telling the operator over the phone that I owned the place because their website basically said don't contact them as the tenant and have the owner contact them. I know it's weird. I think I will just try to go forward as the tenant and see what I can do. The owner has been dead for years so they won't be reachable obviously.

If you feel like you might have made a mistake by trying to present yourself as a new owner when setting up the water online, you could consider going in person to the water company and trying it that way.

I'd be sure to have on you way more than you expect to pay, preferably both in cash and on a credit/debit card. Have more documentation than you think they'll ask for, other utility bills there in your name, mail as formal as possible, etc. Just have everything on you and then some. This way if they throw you for a loop, you can adapt rather than having to walk out and return later with more money etc.

You could also try setting it up on the phone first by automated options or a live person if not. In fact I think I'd make that my next step. Phone by automated system, then in person if that fails. Best of luck with all that.

 

[identity]

Welcome Aboard to StP!!!

Nice intro! Bikepacking? Heck yeah! I've been doing short bikepacking trips on my days off and stealth camping. Getting as much done before the cold air comes in!

Good Luck and again, Welcome Aboard!

Thanks Crazy Hobo Johnny!

 

[Stiv Rhodes]

Getting water on is different in different places. I've been in some cities where you just call them up and say you moved in. Others require that the water be in the owners name. This was started specifically to combat squatting. I haven't successfully faked being the owner. I tried once and failed. But it looks like where I'm at now, they ask for less info, so I might give it another shot.

Also, I did HNJ, you look familiar. Did you stay at the lodge?