What if you found out that someone was living in your house undetected?
By dragon54u
@dragon54u (31634)
United States
October 6, 2009 7:55pm CST
I have noises in my attic sometimes. I live in an old house--it settles, it groans, there are occasionally noises in the attic and plumbing noises. I got to thinking, there have been a lot of stories here in America about homeowners/renters discovering people living in their attics or basements undetected, using their showers when the residents are at work, not harming anything but living in an unoccupied and largely ignored space.
What would you do? Would you call the police? Assuming they appeared to be harmless when you discovered them, would you invite them to take a meal with you or offer to help them find housing, sign them up for a charity program? Would you let them live in your house in a spare bedroom or throw them out on the street?
I've often wondered what I would do. What would you do with a person who had been living in your house undetected?
4 people like this
18 responses
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
7 Oct 09
LOL! 
Four years ago, I'd have agreed with you. But having been divorced and forced to move 4 times, I'm free of all the clutter I would have at 55 years of age. The most important things can easily fill the trunk of my Corolla and I plan to keep it that way!
I have two spare bedrooms, a basement and an attic (which is cold in winter and hot in summer) that I don't use. If some sane person truly needed it, I'd gladly give it.
Four years ago, I'd have agreed with you. But having been divorced and forced to move 4 times, I'm free of all the clutter I would have at 55 years of age. The most important things can easily fill the trunk of my Corolla and I plan to keep it that way!
I have two spare bedrooms, a basement and an attic (which is cold in winter and hot in summer) that I don't use. If some sane person truly needed it, I'd gladly give it.
@maezee (41988)
• United States
7 Oct 09
Of course you'd call the police. Someone squatting in your home? Most definitely a danger/tresspassing, even if they aren't PHSYICALLY putting you in danger by being there. They're... a stranger. I live in a pretty big house, but 99% of it is occupied (not "occupied" by people, but it's not like we never go in the room.) I also don't have an attic, so I don't really think this scenario could ever be more than just a.. scenario.
2 people like this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
7 Oct 09
It's the noises in my attic that got me to thinking, maezee. I have a 3 bedroom house, two stories plus and attic and basement. Some of the noises sound just like footsteps! But there really is nothing in the attic, I checked, and it made me think of this discussion.
I don't know how I would react, but I would LIKE (not would, but would like) to be able to invite the person to use one of the spare rooms til they get on their feet. But this world is so full of addicts and no-goods, I might end up with a slit throat, who knows? Ideally, I would like to extend the invitation and have it turn out good for everyone.
@silverglint (2000)
• Philippines
7 Oct 09
I believe that is still considered trespassing. I would probably talk to the person and explain that he does not have the right to live in my house without my knowledge. Besides, if he uses my shower, then I am the one paying for his water usage. I would have rented him the space if I don't mind having someone else in my house, the important thing there is that it was my decision, my right. I don't like having other people around the house so I would probably just assist him to find another shelter where he can stay.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
7 Oct 09
I feel the same way. I don't want to turn anyone away that truly needs help but my tax dollars pay for shelters to help such people. I don't think I would call the police unless the person--man or woman--looked as if they were a threat. My dogs would tell me that.
I like your attitude. You are a private person, like me, but without animosity towards others.
@gmatthews (154)
• United States
7 Oct 09
My initial response to this question was call the police, but then I started thinking about it. If they wanted to harm you they would have done it by now. They are probably, like you said, homeless and are desperate for shelter. I would try to help them. I would let them stay, because they weren't harming anything to begin with, when you didn't know they existed and if you had not discovered them. they would still be there. I would try to help them get back on their feet though. The last thing they need is to have someone kick them while they are down. They must be pretty desperate to sneak into someones house. I would take them to Social Servoces and see if they can help them and I would try to help them find a job.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
7 Oct 09
I like your attitude! I just looked at your profile and wow, I can't believe you're still functional--something like that would have me catatonic. My ex was a big one for debt but he has a heart of gold and will buy a street person a meal whenever he sees them. I'm glad you've maintained a giving attitude.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
7 Oct 09
By the way, if you're interested in making some money writing articles, you can make me a friend and request the email of the guy I write for. Every little bit helps!
@Jigilmore (106)
• United States
7 Oct 09
We'll, ethically I would feel bad about putting the person or persons out into the street... especially if they were homeless, but I would not feel safe knowing someone whom I had not invited in my home myself; had taken up residence...If the person appeared harmless I would see what I could do to possibly help them out, but they would need to leave that day...unless there was an extreme situation...ie mom and baby, etc...then I would try to give them a time period to find a place to go...But I think at first I'd be a little upset someone had been living in my house without my permission.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
7 Oct 09
The problem these days is that even a mom and dad with a young baby can be very dangerous.
I heard just today as I was having lunch with my ex-sister-in-law that a town just 40 miles from me (where she lives) is the final destination for heroin from Mexico. There are a LOT of crazy people in that town, which used to be a sleepy little burg where everyone knew everyone else and would help anybody.
I live in a small city that is a victim of that other city. Lots of heroin addiction so lots of homeless people. And you know, you can't help an addict unless they want the help.
I like your attitude, though. People like you are why our charities are able to help people who need it!
@Jigilmore (106)
• United States
7 Oct 09
you're right though, you really do have to watch who you trust...some people who look really innocent are sometimes most dangerous.
@Fulltank (2882)
• Philippines
7 Oct 09
Its your house, you should have all the control over it. If you think someones been through your house when all are not home, then make some necessary adjustments like changing you lock, installing security systems (they don't have to be expensive to defect unwanted visitors). If you have proven it, then report immediately to the police and be sure you agreed to any actions they will take. This includes your being part of a entrapment the police will set-up to caught this people.
"Assuming" is also a big mistake to take, for this sole reason at all, many people fall victims just because they "assumed" that the one who knock on their door is as friendly as it may be.
2 people like this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
7 Oct 09
There have been several instances of people sneaking into other peoples' attics and basements for shelter during the night. They don't steal from the person, they just want shelter. Perhaps they are married--most charitable shelters won't let married couples stay in the same room and they separate parents from children.
I have a security system but don't pay for monitoring. My dogs are enough of an alarm. If someone was in my house surreptitiously and my dogs didn't find them objectionable, I would invite them to stay in a spare room till they found a job and could save toward their own place or pay rent to me. I've been there--never intruded in a house, I camped out, but I know the misery of having no place to lay my head.
@Bluepatch (2476)
• Trinidad And Tobago
7 Oct 09
This reminds me. This morning at about 5.15 am when I was alone preparing to get ready to leave for my day ahead I heard loud scratching noises that sounded like they were inside my room.
I got a bit scared but decided they were too loud to be a roach or rat and sat there thinking it might be a bird hung up on the aircon unit hanging from my window near the ceiling.
The noise came back about twice before I left the apartment and I still don't know what it was.
If I ever found another person living in my place I suppose I would try to help them but it would be scary too.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
7 Oct 09
Yes, it certainly would be scary and creepy. There are so many desperate people now, though, that it would not surprise me to find someone living in my attic. That's a pretty sad comment on our economy.
@MAllen400 (829)
•
8 Oct 09
To be absolutely honest with you and ooo this is ageism I must admit it would depend on the age of the person living in my attic. I would feel more friendly towards a teenager/20 year old to a 40/50 year old. Why? I honestly dont know.
After the shock of finding someone and yes being so frightened I would ask them to sit and explain why to me. If I felt it was a good and honest reason I would probably say he could have the spare room for a couple of weeks till he/she was sorted out as long as they were truthful.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
8 Oct 09
That's what I would do.
Nothing wrong with "ageism". We have prejudices for a reason and ageism actually protects us in that case.
I'm surprised at all the compassionate responses I've gotten. People are basically good and charitable. 
@happy6162 (3001)
• United States
7 Oct 09
I would be very upset that someone was living in my house and I did not know. I would call the police and let them handle the person. Hopefully the police can fine a place for this person to live that would also feed them .
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
7 Oct 09
I don't know where you live but where I live, our resources are stretched to the breaking point. There is no help for most people, no room at the shelters and food banks have a lot of empty shelves. I don't think the police could do much for the person but I understand how you feel.
@forestgold (792)
•
9 Oct 09
I'm not sure.
First off, i would be scared stiff, but i think i would then, find out more about them, and how and why they are there, then maybe, if i realised they were just desperate, and down, and broke, i would do what i could to help them, find some accommodation.
I would not offer them to stay though, i could not have a stranger living in my home, but i would want to help them get sorted out...this, of course, is if it is a genuine, desperate person..
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
9 Oct 09
With the dollar in ruins, I'm afraid this might happen to a lot of people soon here in the States! I like your approach, it's sensible yet compassionate.
@Venus914 (33)
• Philippines
7 Oct 09
Im happy this is not common in my country. But if this happens to me, i would give them a warning not to do it again. The nest time, it's the police for them.
It's my house and i should feel secure in it. And there should be respect too. Respect for private property and privacy.
I could give them a meal and maybe, help them look for somewhere to live. But it won't be on mine.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
7 Oct 09
You are a compassionate person, and that's probably what I would do.
There is more and more of this in my country these days. I feel badly for those who are in that situation and have no shelter.
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
7 Oct 09
It sound for me like a scary movie this situation. I think I'll call the police Maybe this would be unfair but i know their intentions and i think that talk with a strange that has been living in your house would be a good idea. If they're good people maybe i'll try to help them but the first thing i would do is to call the police just to be sure that nothing dangerous will happend.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
7 Oct 09
I don't think I'd call the police because then they'd have a record of trespassing--if it was a good person, I wouldn't want them to be arrested. But it's a judgment call and everyone is different. I'm glad you would try to help the person!
@jacobsguardian (108)
• United States
7 Oct 09
I would probably freak out at first, but then I would want to try to help. I wouldn't invite them to stay only because I have my family's safety to look out for, but I would try to find them resources and programs that could help them.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
7 Oct 09
That's a very good reaction! I'm glad you're careful about your family's safety. I figure that if they've lived up there and haven't stolen from me or harmed me, they're probably okay. However, I live alone so I don't have anyone to worry about except myself.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
7 Oct 09
That's understandable. That would be my first reaction, but I think I would like to find out if I could help that person, too. There is so much of this happening here in America. We have huge tent cities of homeless families who have been out of work for more than a year--you won't see it covered in our media, but if you take a drive to any big city you'll see them.
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
23 Jun 12
Personally I am Glad I live in a home that is fairly small so it would be hard for someone to do this except maybe for a couple of short hrs. when no one is home as we would all be at work. Since we have had so many different renters for the one room in our house we rent out, it could be possible but I doubt it since 3/4 of the time there is actually usually someone here.
I have heard of people who have experienced this, and I would think especially if you did not know the people, you would be Crazy to even trust knowing someone was there without calling the cops first. Personally I am not sure what you are supposed to think or do, as you never know if you could Trust them for sure.
@shajerrl (309)
• China
7 Oct 09
I think I will call police, actully I will hate that very much if someone is living in my attic undectected. I can't judge the guys from his/her appearance if he/she is harmless to me or not...so it's better for my security to ask for help from police. but if the guys is truly very poor and can't afford for a rented house, I think it's should be good tl sign them up for a charity program. thanks
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
7 Oct 09
You are right, you don't know if they are deranged or what. I would feel empathy for them because I have been homeless--I now own my own house (making mortgage payments! ) and can support myself and have some money in savings but I've been there and know how it feels.
Yes, you should call the police. But someone living secretly in someone's house is either too proud to apply for public assistance, is ignorant of such help or might even be an addict who doesn't want the restrictions of an assistance program or maybe they don't want a job. More than likely, right now, they can't find one and are too proud for charity.
Even with all that, you would be right to call the police. You can't be too careful nowadays, and that is such a sad fact of life.
) and can support myself and have some money in savings but I've been there and know how it feels.
Yes, you should call the police. But someone living secretly in someone's house is either too proud to apply for public assistance, is ignorant of such help or might even be an addict who doesn't want the restrictions of an assistance program or maybe they don't want a job. More than likely, right now, they can't find one and are too proud for charity.
Even with all that, you would be right to call the police. You can't be too careful nowadays, and that is such a sad fact of life.
@sameroad (3179)
• United States
7 Oct 09
I think it would freak me out and I would end up probably calling the cops.
thankfully I don't have either of those anymore since i live in a townhouse.
If it didn't freak out me but i'm sure it would lol then i think i might try and help them. i don't think i'd let them stay in my house anymore. i'd probably feed them but then take them somewhere that would be able to help them.... but i'm not really sure.. i think it would also depend on the person too. if they seemed normal or had issues.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
7 Oct 09
It really would freak me out. But since they'd been there and not harmed me I would probably try to help them out.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
7 Oct 09
hi dragon65u I no longer live in a house but when I did,if i'
had found someone who did not belong there I think first'I would find out why they were there, and if it sounded fishy or they'seemed like they could be violent I would just call the
police and let them take over. if it was an old woman down
her luck I would find a shelter for her and some places that
could help her find money and shelter, I would not take her
'in myself. But I would not throw her out in the street, I would'
find help for her,because when we did live in a house we had very little money to spare after living expenses were taken out. and no spare bedroom. but a man he would just be sent to the police and let them figure out what to do with him.
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