Squatting, the practice of living in abandoned or unoccupied spaces that a squatter does not legally own, is a great way to avoid paying rent, if you’re willing to take the risk. While many squatters are routinely evicted, arrested, harassed, or even, in some parts of the world, beaten or killed, some manage to make comfortable long-term homes on someone else’s property. A few are even able to take legal possession of their adopted digs through a process called “adverse possession”, or, in difficult times, show a property owner that it may be in their best interest to work something out; they are quite possibly only reticent because they don't know you -- have your references handy. Whether you're unemployed, underpaid, or just extraordinarily thrifty, squatting may be the solution to your housing needs.

1. Know the laws in your area. In many jurisdictions, squatting is a criminal activity and may land you in jail. In some places, notably the UK (though Scotland is one exception), squatting is legal as long as you follow certain procedures and avoid breaking other laws, such as breaking and entering.
2. Form a group. You can squat by yourself but it is preferable to squat with at least two people, especially in a rural area. That said, it is usually best to build a small community or at least have a couple friends with you to help defend the property against thieves and other threats and to share the work and expenses of maintaining the place.
3. Choose your squatmates carefully. Deciding whom you want to live with is a lot like choosing a roommate, except that you need to be even more judicious, since there is no landlord or legal machinery with which to settle disputes. You want to choose fellow squatters who have the same goals as you and who have compatible personalities. You also probably want to make sure to choose squatmates who won’t cause trouble with the police or the neighbors.
4. Set ground rules together. The more you can iron out the ground rules before you settle in, the better. Some squats, for example, prohibit drinking alcohol on the premises, while others mandate that each member devote a certain amount of time working on squat. It’s important that you come to these rules through collaboration and compromise. Write them down, if possible, and have everybody sign them.
5. Find a place to squat. Some examples of places to squat are abandoned spaces such as warehouses, houses, pubs and offices. Most experienced squatters prefer abandoned or unoccupied spaces because property owners who no longer use their property are less likely to object to someone Else's use of it, and are therefore less likely to take legal action against the squatters. Among these abandoned spaces, publicly-owned buildings—particularly those which came into government possession because of the owner’s failure to pay taxes—often offer the best chance of a long-term living situation. The most obvious sign a building is unoccupied is a steel door or boarded-up windows. Other signs include very old newspapers in front, vandalism, parts of the building in disrepair, and disconnected power (check to see if the meter is running).
6. Enter the space. If you have any reason to believe the space is actively used or might pose a health risk to you or your squatmates, do not squat it or attempt to enter it. When first entering a building, try to find a way in that does not require you to “break in” or otherwise cause property damage to gain entry. Sometimes the door will be open or missing, but other times you may need to enter through a window.
7. Scope it out. Once inside, try to get an idea of how sound the structure is and how safe and comfortable it would be. Beware large structural cracks, sagging or broken ceilings or floors, or other signs of serious damage. Of course, if the building has been condemned that’s often a good sign that it is unsafe, but that is not always true. Also check how well insulated the building is—is it cool inside on a hot day or warm inside on a cold day, for example—and see if it looks like it could be made into a home. Expect the premises to be dirty—you can clean it up, though.
8. Trial the space you chose for one night, and be observant. If you feel safe, continue to squat and do everything that is necessary to turn it into a habitable area. Some abandoned structures still have running water or even electricity. Take advantage of this.
9. Secure the building. If you’re hoping to use the building as a long-term squat, it is vital that you secure the premises. Replace broken windows and doors, if possible, and board them up if you can’t immediately replace them. Change the locks on the doors. In many countries (for example the UK, where squatting is a civil matter, unlike in the U.S.) this step will help you establish a legal right to be there. If you can show that you have indeed taken possession of the building, it is much more difficult to have you evicted. In the UK, it means that the owner will have to take you to court.
10. Clean the place up. Obviously you’ll want to sweep away the layers of dust, get rid of rats or other pests, etc., but you should also try to make the building habitable and comfortable. Not only will this make your living situation more enjoyable, it will, in some jurisdictions, make it more difficult to have you removed, and it may help you negotiate with the owner if he or she shows up. Patch holes in the walls or roof, bring in appliances or get the existing ones working, maybe even add a coat of paint or plant a garden. This is your home, after all.
11. Try to get utilities. Sometimes the water and power will be on when you get there, but usually this isn’t the case. If you’re planning on staying for a while, try to get these services turned back on. In many countries, utility services can’t be denied just because you’re squatting. Still, it’s usually best not to disclose that fact when dealing with utility companies. You may need to pay a deposit or pay off unpaid bills from the previous owners. If you’re just planning a short-term stay, you’re probably best off not trying to get utilities as it may bring unwanted attention to you.
12. 10Decide how to deal with the neighbors. There are two opposing methods of interacting with neighbors. Which you choose should depend on the circumstances of your squat.
13. Be as inconspicuous as possible. Try to make sure the neighbors don’t even notice you’re there. This can be pretty easy depending on where the squat is located. Try to enter only through the back door or only at night, and be as quiet as possible while within the building.
14. Befriend your neighbors, if you are willing to take the risk. If you’re planning on staying for a while, somebody will eventually discover you, so you might as well be upfront and positive about your presence. Introduce yourselves and let the neighbors know that you’ve moved in. Make sure they see you making repairs to the building or cleaning up the yard. If you can make a rundown exterior look great, your neighbors might actually appreciate you. If you have enough support from the neighboring residents/owners, they might support you if your squat if is encroached upon.
15. Establish legal property rights through a process called "adverse possession." There are many parts of the world in which squatters have legally gained property rights through a process called "adverse possession." In some cases, this may involve occupying an abandoned property for a certain period of time and/or paying the property taxes that the property owner failed to pay. This is the final goal for a long-term squatting situation, but it very rarely occurs. Research the local laws and find out what steps are necessary to make your squat a legal residence. In California, for example, you need to pay property tax for 5 years and have "cultivated or improved" the property to receive ownership. Your possession of the premises must generally also be visible and obvious.[[Image:Squat-in-spain.JPG|thumb|The exterior of a squat in Spain. Note the squatter symbol in the doorway on the left. Note also that while the building is colorful, it appears well-maintained. In many parts of the world, squatters can establish a legal right to occupy the property if they take care of it and establish themselves, and as a result squatters can be quite conspicuous. This squat is even decorated with political messages.

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