“How REI Branded Home Buyer Can Help”
What Are Squatter Rights in Washington State?
In Washington, squatters may gain legal rights to a property under certain conditions through adverse possession — a legal process where long-term unauthorized occupants can claim ownership.
Read the full law here:
👉 Washington Squatters Rights
👉 RCW 7.28 – Adverse Possession
To establish a legal claim, squatters must typically:
- Occupy the property openly and continuously for 10+ years
- Treat the property as their own (pay utilities, maintain it)
- Not be given permission by the actual owner
Risks of Squatters for Washington Homeowners
If your house is:
- Vacant due to foreclosure
- Tied up in probate or divorce
- Delayed in title transfer
- Located in a remote area or inherited with unclear title
You may be at higher risk for squatters moving in unnoticed.
Once they’ve established residency, removing them can be a costly and time-consuming legal process. A simple notice to vacate might not be enough — you may need a court-ordered eviction.
How to Remove Squatters in Washington
Here’s how to respond:
- File a formal eviction through Washington courts. Start here: Washington Courts – Landlord Resources
- Provide a notice of unlawful detainer
- Go through the court to obtain a writ of restitution
- Work with a legal professional to ensure compliance
For legal support, refer to:
How to Prevent Squatters in Washington
Prevent squatter issues with proactive steps:
- Use clear title before selling or transferring
- Regularly inspect vacant properties
- Post No Trespassing signs and install cameras
- File paperwork with the county if the property is part of probate
- Keep taxes and HOA dues current to avoid liens
Selling a Washington House With Squatters?
It’s not easy, but it is possible.
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we buy houses in all conditions — including properties with:
- Squatter issues
- Title problems
- Code violations
- Lien complications
We purchase as-is and can help navigate squatters, title searches, and even inherited property complications.
🏡 Areas we serve include:
💬 Contact us here:
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always consult a licensed real estate attorney or eviction specialist when dealing with squatters in Washington State.
Sell Your Washington House Fast Today
About REI Branded Home Buyer
Real People. Real Stories. Real Solutions. We’re George and TJ — two regular guys who teamed up to create REI Branded Home Buyer, a local company with one simple mission: to help people sell their homes without stress, games, or pressure. We actually met at a local real estate meetup. A mutual friend randomly shouted, “Hey George, do you want to be this guy’s mentor?” George laughed and said, “Just give him my cell!” A coffee meeting later, and the rest is history. We've been working together ever since. Our passion for helping homeowners comes from personal experience. George was once homeless, so he deeply understands what it’s like to face housing uncertainty. TJ’s family went through a crisis and had to sell their home fast — with the help of a cash homebuyer. Those experiences shaped who we are and inspired us to create a company that treats people the way we wish we’d been treated. Let’s be real: the real estate world is full of shady companies, pushy salespeople, and sleazy homebuyers who care more about profit than people. We started REI Branded Home Buyer because we believe it should be the other way around — people first, profit second. We’re proud to call Spokane home. Our wives, Jenny and Michelle, love the slower pace of life here and all the outdoor beauty Washington has to offer. George and Jenny have two amazing daughters and two dogs — they love to travel and recently visited Japan to see their daughter abroad. TJ and Michelle are outdoor lovers through and through — backpacking, hiking, hunting, fishing, even rock climbing. Michelle’s become quite the mountaineer! If you’re thinking about selling a house — no matter the reason — we’d love to hear your story and see how we can help.