Squatting has a deep history in the United States, dating back to events such as the California Gold Rush, the Great Depression, and World War II. During the California Gold Rush, squatters flooded the land after gold was discovered by John Sutter in the late 1840s. Squatting is not unique to the United States; it also has a history in England, where the king’s court would rule in favor of individuals who inhabited a space without permission from the owner. Today, squatting can occur in various ways, such as through foreclosures or fraud, where individuals take on another’s identity to lease a property unlawfully.
Each state in the United States has developed its own set of laws regarding squatters, making it difficult to remove them from properties. Most states have “squatters’ rights,” which allow a squatter to use or inhabit another person’s property if the lawful owner does not take action against them. For example, in New York City, squatters can claim rights after living in a property for just 30 days. Traditionally, squatters’ rights apply when an individual has been living in a space illegitimately for a certain period of time, making the process of removing them from a property long and burdensome for landlords.
Removing a squatter from a property is typically a lengthy process that can be a burden on small landlords trying to collect rent or pay their mortgage. Landlords often have to go through the court process, which is time-consuming and may require hiring an attorney to evict the squatter. Some U.S. states have started passing bills to protect homeowners from squatting. For example, Florida passed a bill in March 2024 that gives law enforcement the power to remove offenders, providing some relief to homeowners dealing with this issue.
Squatting can occur in various circumstances, including foreclosures and fraudulent leasing, poses a challenge for property owners dealing with squatters. The history of squatting in the United States dates back to significant events such as the California Gold Rush, showing that the issue is not new. Laws regarding squatters’ rights vary by state, making it difficult for property owners to remove squatters from their properties. Despite efforts by some states to pass bills protecting homeowners, resolving the issue of squatters remains a problem for many across the country.
