MINFORD, OH — What was supposed to be a simple property cleanup in Minford turned into a much more complicated situation after workers arrived at an allegedly vacant home and discovered people — and a dog — already living inside.
Scioto County Sheriff’s deputies were called after a property owner reported sending a cleanup crew to the house, only for them to find unexpected occupants inside.
According to dispatch notes, the caller said the property had appeared empty during a walkthrough the day before.
But when workers returned, they reportedly discovered people inside the home along with a dog.
The landlord was also on scene waiting in her vehicle with a key to the residence.
⚖️ Why Deputies Couldn’t Just Remove Them
After responding, deputies determined the matter was a civil issue, not a criminal trespassing case, and advised the landlord on the legal process required to remove the occupants.
That surprises many property owners, but Ohio law makes it difficult to immediately remove people once they have established even temporary residency.
🏠 The Complicated Reality of Removing People From Property
A common misconception is that police can simply force people out whenever a property owner asks.
But in many situations, deputies have to determine:
- Were the people invited there at some point?
- Did they receive mail there?
- Do they have belongings inside?
- Have they been staying there for days or longer?
If the answer to some of those questions is yes, the situation may become a landlord-tenant matter — even if:
- Rent was never formally paid
- There’s no written lease
- Or the owner considers them unwanted
That means owners often must go through:
- Formal eviction notices
- Court proceedings
- And legally ordered removals
instead of immediate police action.