How Can I Evict Someone Living In A Camper On My Property?

A camper becomes a tenant when the occupant receives a legal right to exclusive possession in return for rent or another form of consideration. Courts look for a written or verbal agreement, regular payments, and an expectation that the stay is more than a casual visit.

Consider these situations: an individual signs a lease that names the camper as the rented premises and pays monthly fees; a person receives a key, pays for the spot, and is told they may 'stay as long as they like' without a set end date; a guest sleeps in the camper occasionally, never contributes financially, and remains at the homeowner's invitation. The first two scenarios usually create tenant status, while the last one does not (see what makes someone a tenant). Identifying the correct classification guides the notice requirements discussed in the next section.

Dive into the municipal code, county regulations, and state landlord‑tenant act before drafting any paperwork. City hall web portal, county clerk's online database, and the state legislature's statutes page hold the rules that decide whether a parked RV counts as a dwelling, what occupant classification applies, and which eviction timelines are enforceable. (If the site's search bar is broken, a quick phone call to the local housing authority usually uncovers the same info.)

Because each jurisdiction draws its own line on RV residency, verify the exact notice period and any required zoning ordinance exceptions before moving to the notice‑drafting step. Some cities demand a 30‑day written demand, others allow a 14‑day 'cash‑for‑keys' offer, and a few prohibit removal without a court order altogether. Ignoring these nuances can stall the process or expose you to a counter‑claim, so consult an attorney familiar with local tenant law. This content is not legal advice; professional counsel is recommended.

A well‑crafted eviction notice tells the occupant exactly why they must leave and how long they have to do it. After confirming whether the occupant qualifies as a tenant (see 'determine if they're a tenant'), the notice becomes the legal linchpin; any mistake can stall the process.

1. Headline and identifiers - Boldly label the document 'Notice to Vacate' and list the property address, the occupant's name, and the notice's date.
2. Reason for eviction - Cite the specific violation (e.g., non‑payment of rent, unauthorized use of the camper) and reference the statutory provision that permits removal.
3. Statutory notice period - State the exact number of days required by your state or municipality (often 30 days for a month‑to‑month tenancy, 3 days for non‑payment). Adjust the count if local law demands a different term.
4. Deadline and consequences - Give a precise move‑out date, then explain that failure to vacate will trigger a court action for unlawful detainer.
5. Signature and contact - Sign the notice, include a phone number or email for questions, and note the method of service (hand‑delivery, certified mail, or another legally acceptable way).

Every element must match local statutes; otherwise the notice may be deemed ineffective (see 'serve notice without mistakes'). When in doubt, consult an attorney familiar with landlord‑occupant law.

Deliver the eviction notice exactly as the law requires to avoid costly delays.

Mistakes in service often let the occupant argue improper notice, which stalls the whole process. Follow each step precisely, then move on to court preparation later in the article.

• Confirm the statutory notice period for a camper occupant in your jurisdiction; some states demand 30 days, others a shorter term.
• Draft the notice with the mandated language: include the property address, reason for eviction, exact move‑out deadline, and your contact information.
• Attach a copy of the lease or proof of tenancy if the occupant was treated as a tenant, as many courts expect that documentation.
• Choose an approved delivery method - personal hand‑delivery, certified mail with return receipt, or posting the notice conspicuously on the camper door.
• Record the service details immediately: date, time, method, and any witness signatures or mail tracking numbers.
• Preserve the original notice and all proof of service in a dedicated file; this evidence becomes crucial if the case proceeds to court.

Accurate service eliminates procedural hurdles and strengthens your position when the dispute reaches the courtroom; consulting an attorney familiar with local property law remains advisable.

Gather every piece of paperwork before the judge calls. Knowing the exact notice dates, payment history, and any written agreements keeps the story straight and limits surprise objections.

Pull copies of the eviction notice, proof of service, photos of the camper's condition, and any text or email exchanges that show the occupant's refusal to leave. Organize these items chronologically in a binder; the court expects a tidy file, not a scavenger hunt.

File the complaint according to your county's rules, pay the filing fee, and request a hearing date. Expect the occupant to claim 'tenant' status or improper notice, so have the earlier tenant‑determination notes ready (see the section on confirming tenancy). For local filing forms and deadline calendars, consult state court eviction resources. This is not legal advice; an attorney familiar with your jurisdiction can spot pitfalls before they become costly.

Skipping these five common traps can turn a simple eviction into a legal nightmare. After confirming tenancy and drafting a proper notice, each mistake wastes time, money, and goodwill.

• Treating the camper as personal property instead of a dwelling - Local codes often classify a stationary camper as a residence; ignoring that distinction forces you into the wrong legal channel.
• Serving the notice incorrectly - Delivering it to the wrong address, using an informal method, or missing the statutory deadline nullifies the notice and restarts the timeline.
• Neglecting thorough documentation - Failing to log conversations, keep photos of the site, or preserve signed agreements leaves you with little proof if the case reaches court.
• Taking self‑help actions - Changing locks, disconnecting utilities, or moving the camper without a court order breaches most eviction statutes and invites penalties.
• Skipping professional counsel - Because regulations vary by municipality, consulting an attorney or local housing agency prevents costly procedural errors (this is not legal advice; seek qualified help).

Police cannot simply cart an occupant out of a camper because you dislike their presence; they intervene only when a criminal offense, immediate safety threat, or a court‑issued writ of possession is present. If the occupant is a tenant, the eviction steps outlined earlier - notice, possible court action - must precede any law‑enforcement involvement, otherwise the officer will likely ask you to pursue a formal order.

In jurisdictions that treat campers as personal property rather than dwellings, an officer may remove a trespasser who is vandalizing or endangering others, but must be shown proof of ownership and evidence of the wrongdoing. A written eviction notice, followed by a judgment, gives the sheriff's office authority to enforce removal on the day the writ is executed. Because statutes vary state to state, confirming local rules before dialing 911 prevents wasted calls and potential liability.

If the occupant is a family member, the law still applies, but an informal conversation usually comes first.

Start by sitting down for a frank talk, explain why the camper must go, and give a reasonable move‑out date. Follow up with a written note that repeats the deadline, keeps a paper trail, and mentions any agreed‑upon help - like covering moving costs or offering temporary storage. This personal approach often resolves the issue without paperwork, as we covered in the 'determine if they're a tenant' step, and preserves family goodwill.

When the friendly route fails, treat the family member exactly like any other occupant: draft a proper eviction notice, serve it according to local statutes, and be prepared to file in court if the deadline passes. The familial connection does not create a legal exemption, so consulting a qualified attorney and reviewing your state's landlord‑tenant law overview is advisable before proceeding.

Ask the friend to leave and, if they refuse, start the formal eviction process.

First, verify the occupant isn't a tenant (as explained in 'determine if they're a tenant'). Then serve a written notice that meets local requirements and includes:

• a specific move‑out date,
• a legally required notice period (often 30 days, but varies by state),
• the chosen method of service (hand‑delivery, certified mail, or posting).

If the deadline expires without compliance, initiate an unlawful detainer action in the appropriate landlord‑tenant or civil court, obtain a writ of possession, and let the sheriff enforce it; avoid self‑help removal, which can create legal exposure. (unlawful detainer eviction process guide)

Ownership disputes hinge on proof, not eviction paperwork. Verify the camper's title through the DMV, request the occupant's purchase receipts, and compare those records before taking legal action (as we covered above about confirming tenancy).

• Collect the title, bill of sale, registration, and any loan documents.
• Ask the occupant to produce the same paperwork within a written deadline.
• Confirm registration details with the state motor‑vehicle agency; procedures differ by state.
• If the occupant refuses or documents conflict, send a formal demand letter stating that ownership is contested and outlining the next steps.
• For purely monetary claims under the local small‑claims limit (often $5,000‑$10,000), file in small‑claims court; this route cannot resolve title issues.
• When the dispute involves the right to possess the camper, initiate a quiet‑title action in a civil or superior court to obtain a judicial declaration of ownership.
• If you hold a statutory storage lien - for example, unpaid storage fees authorized by state law - file the lien according to that statute; a lien alone does not settle ownership questions.
• Keep copies of all communications; consult an attorney familiar with your state's property and motor‑vehicle laws before proceeding.

Secure the site by first replacing every lock the occupant could have accessed - door, gate, storage shed, and any padlock on the camper chassis. Inspect all openings for broken hinges, cut fence wires, or smashed windows, then repair or board them before anyone else steps foot on the property. Document every condition with time‑stamped photos and a written checklist; this evidence will protect you if the former occupant disputes damages later.

Next, shut off or transfer utilities that were in the occupant's name, notify the power and water providers of the change, and file a brief incident report with local law enforcement if vandalism occurred. Keep the inventory and photographs on file for insurance purposes and potential court filings. Because local statutes differ on post‑eviction clean‑up, consult a qualified attorney before taking further action (this is not legal advice).