Yahoo Answers is shutting down on 4 May 2021 (Eastern Time) and the Yahoo Answers website is now in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

Is it legal to walk into someone else's house if the door is unlocked?

Like if I didn't break in or hurt or threaten anyone, if I just walked in the front door would that be legal? What about just until the property owner asks me to leave? No harm no foul assuming I just walk back out, right?

Update:

Also I don't steal anything, I just physically hang out in house until being told to leave 

7 Answers

Relevance
  • ?
    Lv 7
    1 week ago
    Favourite answer

    Not without permission, it's not. In every jurisdiction, entering a residence that is not yours or that you are not a tenant of through an unlocked door (or an opening or crawling through a window that’s partially opened) is a crime if one doesn't have permission to be there, thus constituting both "trespassing" and "breaking and entering," the word "breaking" being a bit misleading for some since the crime of "breaking and entering" actually requires no physical force of prying, kicking, or other damage to transpire. "Breaking and entering" is also a separate charge from burglary, and you can be charged for it even if you committed no other crime.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    1 week ago

    Don't do that in a red state .

  • 1 week ago

    Of course it is not.  

  • .
    Lv 6
    1 week ago

    Entering anyone’s house or property without permission is unlawful, defined as trespassing.  That’s all that is required. Most jurisdictions have that as a misdemeanor.  If an intent to commit any crime whatsoever can be described, it becomes burglary.  That’s a felony.

    It’s also important to note that some states have enshrined the “Castle Doctrine” in their laws.  That (pretty much) means a homeowner can use deadly force without retreating the moment your big toe touches their property line.

  • jijawm
    Lv 5
    1 week ago

    It's liable to get you a gut full of buckshot, or, if you're lucky, rock salt

  • 1 week ago

    yess now poop oon the floor and claim your territory

    Attachment image
    Source(s): i did it
  • Anonymous
    1 week ago

    Of course that's not legal and why would you want to do that anyway?

Still have questions? Get answers by asking now.