Houston woman retrieves home ownership after serial squatter changes lock

A family of five were found to be living in a Houston home they did not own, after changing the locks and producing a fake lease. The homeowner discovered the squatters when she visited the $3,600 per month rental property and found that they had been living on air mattresses. The family insisted that they had paid $6,000 to rent the home, but the lease was found to be a fake, listing the squatters as the landlords.

The incident highlights the perils of being a landlord and the unexpected consequences of squatter rights in Texas. Despite being a civil matter, the homeowner contacted the police, who informed her that there was nothing they could do. Fortunately, the squatters left on their own accord, avoiding a lengthy civil case. The case raises questions about whether current policies and regulations adequately protect property owners and landlords, and whether meaningful change is needed to ensure that all parties involved in property ownership and rental can enjoy a sense of security and fairness.