New Yorkers are being advised to protect their homes from squatters by putting up a simple “No Trespassing” sign. This inexpensive plastic sign can help prove to police that the property was marked before any squatters took residence. Home security cameras are also recommended as a way to deter and catch potential home invaders before they can assert squatters’ rights. In New York City, squatters can claim legal rights to a property after just 30 days of living there, leaving property owners with limited options for recourse.
The law was initially intended to protect long-term tenants from eviction but has led to concerns as squatters are able to take over properties with relative ease. In some cases, property owners have been handcuffed for trying to remove squatters from their own homes. With the current law tying the hands of law enforcement, homeowners are left to fend for themselves against unwanted occupants. Florida has taken steps to address this issue by enacting legislation that empowers police to remove squatters quickly if they cannot provide proof that they belong.
State Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz has introduced a bill in New York that aims to redefine squatters as trespassers, making it easier for law enforcement to remove them from properties. The bill has garnered bipartisan support, but similar legislation failed to become law a decade ago. Homeowners are encouraged to notify their local police precinct if their property will be vacant for an extended period of time, in order to prevent squatters from moving in while the home is unoccupied. Overall, the issue of squatters’ rights is a growing concern in New York City and other urban areas across the country.
New Yorkers are finding themselves in a difficult position when it comes to dealing with squatters, with limited legal options available to remove them from their properties. The current law gives squatters the upper hand, allowing them to take over homes and leaving property owners with little recourse. Without clear guidelines for law enforcement to follow, homeowners are left to take matters into their own hands by using security measures like cameras and “No Trespassing” signs. In contrast, states like Florida are taking proactive steps to address the issue and give homeowners more power to protect their properties.
The recent surge in squatting cases in cities like New York has highlighted the need for legislative changes to clarify the rights of property owners versus squatters. By redefining squatters as trespassers, lawmakers hope to streamline the process of removing unauthorized occupants from properties. While there is bipartisan support for these changes, history has shown that similar efforts have faced challenges in becoming law. Homeowners are urged to remain vigilant and take steps to protect their properties from potential intruders, including notifying local law enforcement of any vacancies to prevent squatters from taking advantage of unoccupied homes. Overall, the battle against squatters’ rights is an ongoing struggle that requires a comprehensive approach to address the complexities of property law and housing regulations in urban areas.
