Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman stated in an interview that squatters should have “no rights,” emphasizing that they are breaking the law by occupying a property without rightful ownership or permission. Squatters are individuals who live in a building or on a piece of land without paying rent or having legal documentation to support their occupancy, according to the American Apartment Owners Association. Although there is limited research on the scale of the issue in the U.S., certain areas like Georgia, Florida, and Texas have reported higher numbers of squatters compared to other metropolitan areas, as indicated by a survey conducted by the National Rental Home Council (NRHC).
The issue of squatters’ rights has led to debates across the country, particularly when property owners find themselves in legal disputes with individuals occupying their properties without authorization. Recent incidents in New York City, where six out of eight migrant squatters were arrested on drug and gun charges and subsequently released without posting bail, have sparked concern among local lawmakers. In response, legislators in New York are pushing for new laws to crack down on “squatting” following clashes between squatters and homeowners. Fetterman shared his own experience with the issue as the former mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, highlighting the need to address the situation and protect the rights of property owners.
Despite the attention drawn to cases involving squatters, some attorneys argue that the increase in such incidents does not necessarily warrant labeling New York as a crisis zone. Attorney Samuel Himmelstein, who specializes in tenant rights litigation, stated that squatter cases remain relatively rare and have not shown a significant spike at his law firm. Instead, he noted that cases related to “licensee holdovers” are more common than instances of squatters occupying properties unlawfully. In response to the ongoing issue, President Joe Biden’s administration stressed the importance of local governments taking action to address the problem of squatters residing in homes they do not own, with White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre urging local authorities to protect the rights of both property owners and renters.
Newsweek aims to challenge conventional wisdom and explore connections in the pursuit of common ground on various issues, including the debate surrounding squatters’ rights. By shedding light on the complexities of the situation and highlighting different perspectives, the publication seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by property owners, tenants, and local governments in dealing with the issue. Ultimately, the call for action to protect the rights of both property owners and renters emphasizes the need for comprehensive solutions at the local level to address concerns related to squatters and uphold the rule of law in safeguarding property rights.
