What can I do to keep people off my property?

Asked by: Tristian Schinner  |  Last update: February 6, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (1 votes)

To keep people off your property, use a combination of physical barriers like fences and locked gates, clear signage ("No Trespassing"), visible security cameras, good lighting, and deterring landscaping, while also notifying local law enforcement and creating a neighborhood watch, and if needed, serving formal trespass notices or restraining orders for specific individuals.

How to stop unwanted people on your property?

No Trespassing Signs and Legal Notice

“No Trespassing” signs are a simple but powerful tool. They not only establish clear intent but also provide legal grounds for action if someone crosses onto your property without permission.

How to keep someone off your property legally?

To keep someone off your property, you may consider obtaining a trespass notice or restraining order, depending on the situation. A trespass notice formally informs the individual they are not allowed on your property and can be used as evidence if they return.

How do you keep people away from your property?

Whether it's your home, business, or land, here are the simple steps to keep people off your property.

  1. Know Your Rights. ...
  2. Tell the Person to Stay Away. ...
  3. Post “No Trespassing” Signs. ...
  4. Keep Records. ...
  5. Ask the Police for Help. ...
  6. Get a Restraining Order. ...
  7. Sue for Trespassing. ...
  8. Call a Lawyer.

How to keep strangers off your property?

Put up "No Trespassing" signs

A "no trespassing" sign posted on your property eliminates any claim by trespassers that it was unintentional because they did not realize the area was someone's property. It serves as a notice, in fact, that it is your property.

How Do You Stop Trespassers?

23 related questions found

What do thieves hate most?

1. Alarm Systems. Burglars hate alarm systems - and for very good reason! Any indication that your home has a security system, such as yard signs, window stickers and a big alarm box, can act as a burglar deterrent and help prevent your home from being burgled.

How do I remove unwanted people from my property?

The safest way to remove a guest from your property is to use the court process. There are several reasons why it may be a bad idea to use self-help eviction to remove a guest from your home. You may be risking your personal safety if the guest becomes angry or violent during or after the eviction.

What is the best defense for trespassing?

The best trespasser deterrents combine physical barriers, visible warnings, and technology, with effective strategies including sturdy fencing, bright motion-sensor lighting, clear "No Trespassing" signs, and security cameras (especially cellular trail cams that send real-time alerts) to make entry difficult and risky, deterring casual intruders and gathering evidence for serious offenses. Locked gates with heavy-duty padlocks and natural barriers like thorny plants also significantly discourage unwanted access.
 

What are examples of harassment by a neighbor?

Neighbor harassment involves repeated, targeted, and hostile actions like verbal abuse, threats, property damage (vandalism, trespassing), excessive noise, spreading rumors, stalking, or interfering with property/pets, aiming to cause distress, often crossing into criminal behavior like cyberstalking or false complaints. It's characterized by deliberate hostility, not just occasional annoyances, and can escalate from subtle intimidation to severe threats, impacting safety and well-being. 

How to keep unwanted people out of your yard?

  1. Put up “No Trespassing” Sign & Warning Sign. ...
  2. Install Motion Detection Surveillance Camera. ...
  3. Talk to the Parents in Advance. ...
  4. Good Fence Makes Good Deterrent. ...
  5. Plant Natural Barriers. ...
  6. Get Guard Dogs or Watch Dogs. ...
  7. Install a Motion-Activated Sprinkler.

Do I have the right to tell someone to get off my property?

Yes, you absolutely can ask someone to leave your property, and if they refuse, they become a trespasser, allowing you to involve law enforcement or pursue legal eviction, especially for long-term guests who may be considered tenants, but you must avoid physical removal to prevent legal trouble yourself, instead following proper procedures like serving notices and getting court orders. 

What are the five elements of trespass?

Generally, the main elements of trespass are:

  • an unlawful intrusion or invasion upon a property,
  • intent of intrusion,
  • force,and.
  • consequent injury to an owner.

How to scare away trespassers?

Security cameras serve a number of different functions. The first is that they act as a deterrent for trespassers. The fact that trespassers will be under the glare of the cameras could be enough to keep them at bay. In fact, there is no better answer to how to scare trespassers than to install security cameras.

Can you call the police for unwanted guests?

You can call the police, but it can be hard to prove to the police that the person no longer has your permission to live there. Because the guest was probably staying at your home with your permission at first, it is a good idea to write out a notice saying, “I am taking back my permission for you to be in my home.

How to keep intruders off your property?

18 Ways to Theft-Proof Your Home Inside and Out

  1. Look for vulnerable spots. ...
  2. Lock doors and windows. ...
  3. Landscape strategically. ...
  4. Put up a fence. ...
  5. Install double-key deadbolts. ...
  6. Upgrade doors and locks. ...
  7. Install motion sensor lighting. ...
  8. Invest in a home security system.

How to get trespassers off your land?

Communicate and Issue a Notice. In most cases, it's important to communicate with the trespasser and make it clear that their presence on your property is unwelcome. This can be done by speaking to them directly, sending a written notice, or posting signs indicating private property and restricted access.

What kind of proof do you need for harassment?

To prove harassment, you need a detailed log of incidents (dates, times, locations, what happened), supported by tangible evidence like emails, texts, photos, videos, and witness statements, plus documentation of your complaints and the harasser's responses, showing the conduct was unwelcome, severe/pervasive, and based on a protected characteristic (like sex, race, etc.). Medical records showing impact and formal reports to HR/police also significantly strengthen a case. 

How to deal with a toxic neighbor?

If you're dealing with a bad neighbor, start by communicating directly to resolve the issue. If that doesn't work, contact your homeowners association, local law enforcement, or consider mediation. For ongoing problems, legal options like restraining orders or nuisance claims may help stop the behavior.

What are three things that are considered harassment?

The three primary types of harassment often categorized are Verbal/Written, Physical, and Visual, though harassment also falls under broader themes like sexual, discriminatory (race, gender, religion), and psychological bullying, creating intimidating environments through offensive jokes, unwanted contact, threats, or hostile displays, with sexual harassment specifically including "quid pro quo" (favor for favor) and hostile environment forms.
 

How to handle someone trespassing on your property?

If someone is trespassing, prioritize safety: observe from afar, then calmly tell them to leave if it's safe; if they refuse, seem dangerous, or you feel threatened, call the police immediately, as you should never use force, which could get you into legal trouble, but instead rely on law enforcement to handle it. For repeat issues, post "No Trespassing" signs and consider legal action, like a cease and desist letter. 

Which of the following is a defense to trespass to personal property?

If you are sued for trespass, you may have some defenses available to you. These defenses include consent, public necessity, private necessity and/or privileged invasion.

How to beat trespass?

If you can prove that you had a good faith belief that you had permission to be there, you may have a valid defense. Emergency situation: You entered the property without consent but you needed to be there because of an emergency. This can include trespassing to save someone's life or prevent damage to the property.

Can I tell someone to get off my property?

Yes, you absolutely can ask someone to leave your property, and if they refuse, they become a trespasser, allowing you to involve law enforcement or pursue legal eviction, especially for long-term guests who may be considered tenants, but you must avoid physical removal to prevent legal trouble yourself, instead following proper procedures like serving notices and getting court orders. 

Can I remove people from my property?

Can I remove a trespasser from my property? If someone is considered to be trespassing, the first call of action is to ask them to leave. If the person refuses, then a land owner is allowed to use 'reasonable force' to remove them.

How to get rid of illegal squatters?

Unlawful occupiers can only be evicted if an eviction order is issued by the Magistrate's Court or High Court. The owner may apply to the court for an eviction order.