For most of us, opening a utility bill is a minor annoyance at worst. For Selim, an 80-year-old former shopkeeper from Saint Ouen, it became the final blow after years of stress. When the dust settled and the squatters were finally gone, a water bill of €100,000 landed in his hands — an unimaginable sum tied to a nightmare he had spent years trying to end.
When a home becomes unrecognisable
Selim’s building, once the fruit of decades of hard work, had slowly turned into something closer to a forgotten set from a dystopian film. Over several years, squatters had moved in and taken control of the property. When I walked through the neighbourhood, some long-time residents told stories of similar occupations — abandoned spaces swallowed up by uninvited groups, leaving owners powerless.
Inside Selim’s building, the scene was devastating: broken mattresses, piles of rubbish, and signs of everyday life lived entirely outside the rules. It was hard to imagine that this had once been a cherished family property.
Water left running day and night
The most staggering aspect of the ordeal was the scale of the water waste. According to Selim’s lawyer, Maître Xavier Bouillot, the squatters had left taps running continuously, 24 hours a day. A Veolia technician refused to even enter the building, describing floors soaked through and overrun with pests.
Situations like this highlight why both water companies and homeowner associations stress the importance of acting quickly when unauthorised occupation occurs. The Fédération Nationale de l’Immobilier regularly advises property owners to monitor vacant buildings closely, as seemingly small problems can quickly escalate into financial disasters.
A €100,000 shock — with no insurance to help
Once the squatters were finally evicted, Selim believed he could begin the slow process of restoring his property. Instead, he was confronted with the impossible: a water bill approaching six figures. As his lawyer explained, insurers such as AXA do not cover damage linked to illegal occupation, leaving Selim entirely responsible for the debt.
The emotional weight of the situation is difficult to ignore. This building represented his savings, his work, his hope for stability in older age. To be faced with such a bill after enduring years of disruption is a blow few could absorb easily.
@w9lachaine "Dans mon propre pays, je suis une SDF" 😖 Alfredo, délogeur de squatteurs, cherche la solution pour faire partir cette jeune femme qui occupe depuis 28 ans la maison de son oncle ! 🏡 📺 #SquatsEtConflits ♬ son original – w9officiel
Lessons in vigilance for all homeowners
Selim’s story may feel extreme, but it carries a universal warning. Unexpected events — especially those involving unauthorised occupation — can spiral into extraordinary costs. Property experts advise owners to act swiftly at the first sign of intrusion and to seek professional guidance rather than waiting for the situation to resolve itself.
The Fédération Nationale de l’Immobilier emphasises the value of surveillance systems, regular inspections and early intervention to prevent long-term financial and structural damage.
Selim’s resilience shines through, but his experience remains a stark reminder: protecting a property is not just a matter of finances. It requires attention, quick action and sometimes a fight you never imagined you would have to face.
