FLOWER MOUND, Texas (AP) _ When he moved into an empty, $340,000 home in an upscale Dallas suburb and hung a “No Trespassing” sign in the front window, Kenneth Robinson apparently inspired dozens of imitators. They also moved into homes in the Dallas area — some of which were still occupied by their owners.
But now, Robinson’s time has run out. Bank of America, which foreclosed on the home last month, wants possession. And a judge today gave Robinson until next week to appeal or move out. Rather than wait to be evicted, he slipped out this morning.
Robinson had set up a website where he spoke of paying $16 to file a one-page claim to the house, under the legal principle of “adverse possession.”
But real estate experts say “adverse possession” statutes are used in cases involving disputes between homeowners — someone is using part of the neighbor’s land, or a driveway. And they say it takes years to establish those rights.
That hasn’t stopped people from trying to emulate Robinson. According to a police report, a travel nurse came home in September to find her locks changed and two TVs missing. They say the man who came to the door told her that he had claimed the home and she was trespassing. He offered to return the home for $2,000. The man was arrested.