Is it illegal to enter an abandoned house?

Answer 1

There is no simple answer to this question.

Abandoned has different legal meaning in different jurisdictions.

For sure if you need to scale a fence to get in you're trespassing. If there's some variation of a "No Trespassing" sign on the premises, you're trespassing. If you need to break a padlock you're trespassing, and breaking and entering.

But, even is there are none of these deterrents the law may find it trespassing. In some jurisdictions you will be forgiven even if it's trespassing if you didn't know it was. In others not. So the entire thing is muddy.

Answer 2

Entering an abandoned house without permission may be considered trespassing, which is illegal in many places. It is important to respect private property and seek permission before entering any abandoned buildings.

Answer 3

Trespassing onto private property is a civil offence. To enter a condemned building is not only a civil trespass, but is also rather foolish. Buildings are condemned for a reason.