The National rental home Council says according to their member survey there are around 475 squatting cases in DFW.
https://www.nbcdfw.com/video/news/local/how-squatting-is-a-growing-issue-in-dfw/3563165/
If you own a home in Dallas-Fort Worth that sits unoccupied for weeks at a time—whether it’s a second home, a temporary relocation, or a property between moves—you’ve probably wondered: What happens if someone decides to move in while I’m gone?
That concern is getting louder across North Texas. A recent NBC DFW report highlights how squatting is becoming a growing issue in DFW, creating real stress for homeowners and neighbors alike. When a home looks empty, it can become a target—especially if no one is regularly checking it.
The good news: there are clear, practical ways to reduce your risk.
Why unoccupied homes are attractive targets
Squatters look for opportunity. And opportunity often looks like:
- No cars in the driveway for long stretches
- Packages piling up
- Overgrown landscaping
- Lights never changing
- No visible “life” at the property
Even in high-end neighborhoods, an unoccupied home can stand out quickly.
7 practical ways to reduce squatting risk in DFW
1) Make the home look lived-in A few simple changes can help:
- Put lights on timers (and rotate which rooms are lit)
- Pause mail or use a locked mailbox option
- Hold packages or use secure delivery instructions
- Keep landscaping maintained (mowing, trimming, seasonal cleanup)
2) Secure doors, windows, and entry points
This sounds obvious, but it’s where many issues start:
- Confirm all doors latch properly (including side gates)
- Reinforce weak locks
- Check windows for easy lift points or broken seals
- Don’t forget garage service doors and back patio entries
3) Use cameras—but don’t rely on them alone
Cameras are great for alerts, but they don’t physically remove a problem. If you’re out of state and get a notification at 2 a.m., you still need someone who can respond quickly and verify what’s happening.
4) Don’t let small “maintenance” issues signal vacancy
A dripping hose bib, a running toilet, a broken gate latch—these are small things that can quietly advertise “no one is home.” Regular visual inspections help catch these early.
5) Document the condition of the home consistently
If you ever need to prove timelines, condition, or occupancy patterns, consistent reporting matters. Photo documentation and dated reports can be incredibly helpful for insurance conversations and peace of mind.
6) Build a rapid-response plan before you need it
If something looks off, you want a plan that answers:
- Who can get to the property quickly?
- Who can meet police or a vendor on-site?
- Who has keys and access codes?
- Who can coordinate locksmiths, repairs, or cleanup?
7) Schedule routine home watch inspections
The simplest way to reduce risk is to ensure your home is regularly checked—inside and out. A consistent presence changes the equation: it’s harder for problems to start, and easier to stop them early.
How LoneStar Home Watch helps protect unoccupied homes in North Dallas
At LoneStar Home Watch, we provide routine interior and exterior visual inspections for unoccupied homes across North Dallas and surrounding areas. Our clients get:
- Photo-documented digital reports
- Fast issue identification (before small problems become big ones)
- Keyholder and vendor coordination when needed
- A team that understands what to look for—because prevention is the whole point
If you travel frequently, own a second home, or your property is unoccupied for extended periods, we’ll help you build a simple plan that protects your home and your peace of mind.
Want a free consultation?
If you’re leaving town (or already gone) and want to reduce your risk, we’ll walk you through a home watch plan that fits your property and schedule.
Contact LoneStar Home Watch for a free consultation via LonestarWatch.com. 972-213-4720
