The Unwanted HouseguestBeing stuck with an unwanted houseguest is something to consider when preparing for an emergency. If a major global depression – or some other disaster – strikes, realize that there will be many who are not prepared. There will be lots of reasons. Perhaps it was simply too depressing to think about. Or perhaps it was too expensive, and besides, they probably reasoned, the government would always be there. But the truth is, FEMA was incapable of sufficiently caring for people in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, and it’s unlikely our government is any more prepared today. Should you care for your fellow man, especially in times of crisis? Absolutely. But that does not mean you should let them into your home. The answer I believe is a resounding no! I would urge you to think twice or even thrice about letting anyone – even a relative – into your home. You must get tough. I speak from experience. My StoryAbout a year ago, an unwanted houseguest came to live with my mom on our property. We were told he was in a difficult living situation with people who were unkind to him. Would we consider letting him stay with us? Mom had fond memories of him as a child, so we said yes.At first he was grateful and quite nice, but then the demands came. He wanted Mom to take him somewhere in the car everyday. He wanted only certain foods and he expected Mom to cook them. And he had a drinking problem and wanted his liquor every day. The strain became too much Mom, who had health problems of her own. Eventually this man began to threaten Mom. She tried to keep this from me, but then one day this man physically threatened me. I had small children, and I knew he needed to go. I ordered him to leave. He said Mom’s house was his house. He refused to leave, and that’s when the real nightmare began. Squatter’s RightsWhat I would learn, to my outrage and horror, was that if you invite someone to stay in your home or on your property, that unwanted houseguest will be allowed to stay put until you both file and get approved an eviction notice. That can take up to 30 days, depending on where you live.The police do not like to get involved in a dispute between homeowners and an unwanted houseguest and here’s why: Forcing someone out of a place of residence is likely to stir up violence, and the police don’t want to do that. That’s why they insist you file an eviction notice instead. You and your loved ones could be exposed to weeks of tremendous stress. It’s just not worth it. Backed Into a Corner?But what if a close relative comes and you feel you can’t say no? Let them in, but set strict limits. Here are some guidelines to follow:Set a Time LimitSet a limit to the amount of time they can stay with you up front. Make sure they understand there is a limit to your hospitality and stick to it.No Special TreatmentDo not entertain them. Do not make it fun to stay there. Do not wait on them. Make sure they understand they are to do their own laundry and to pick up after themselves. Do not turn your home into a bed and breakfast. There needs to be sufficient motivation for an unwanted houseguest to find his or her own place to stay.No Work, No FoodMake it clear that they are to earn their keep while they are with you. If you live on a homestead, make them help you with the chores. Make it clear they are expected to contribute to the family workload or no meals will be served.No AlcoholThe abuse of alcohol can lead to anything from “minor” issues such as damage to your property to fights and abuse. Plus, an unwanted houseguest with a drinking problem is less motivated to stay with you if you refuse to feed his drinking habits.Absolutely No DrugsNaturally the same goes for illegal substances, but more so. If you knowingly allow someone who abuses substances into your home, you expose yourself to tremendous risk, including losing your home, facing jail or losing your children.If you discover that a guest is abusing illegal substances, ask him to leave immediately. If he refuses, quietly gather your children, take them to a friend’s home and then call the police and report your guest. Better to be considered a “fink” than to lose everything you have. The risk is simply not worth it. No Car LoansNever loan your car to a guest in your home. Such habits, once started are hard to break. Use the excuse that your insurance doesn’t cover it. In most cases, it’s probably true anyway.Fun, Freedom and Money Start Here! 
Useful LinksLearn what Nolo.com, a website offering legal advice, has to say about unwanted guests.Hear one man's traumatic story of one unwanted houseguest and the nightmare he became. And finally, read these early warning signs of people to avoid. Learn the importance of being prepared. Tips on storing water. Tips on buying bulk grains. Learn the best methods for storing your bulk grains. Emergency preparation when you have little time and money.
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