Squatting, the act of residing in a home despite the homeowner’s wishes, has become a growing trend in the US, prompting the need for laws to address this issue. The passage of a bipartisan state law in Florida to ban unwanted guests from staying as long as they want has sparked hope among anti-squatting activists for similar laws in other states. Flash Shelton, an anti-squatting activist, was motivated to fight against squatting after encountering the issue when squatters took over his mother’s California home following his father’s death.
Shelton developed tactics to quickly remove squatters from homes and used his YouTube channel to raise awareness about the issue. He then founded the United Handymans Association and Squatter Hunters to help homeowners deal with squatters. Shelton praised the recently passed Florida law as a positive step that could set a precedent for other states to pass similar laws. The law aims to streamline the process of removing squatters from properties and allows for the arrest of squatters who can’t prove they have a lease or are paying rent.
In New York, squatter activity is on the rise, leaving homeowners frustrated with how to remove unwanted guests from their properties. Cases, such as a woman arrested for attempting to change locks on a million-dollar home she inherited, highlight the challenges homeowners face in dealing with squatters. New York squatters can legally lay claim to a property after a certain period, making it difficult for property owners to evict them. The law provides squatters with rights to prevent long-term tenants from facing eviction, leading to the establishment of squatters’ rights in different states.
Property owners confronting squatters are advised to seek immediate help from law enforcement rather than taking matters into their own hands. Shelton emphasized the importance of staying safe and involving the police when dealing with squatters. He suggested that individuals struggling with squatters should connect with organizations like Squatter Hunters before attempting civil litigation. Proactive measures, such as keeping properties occupied, secure, and monitored, can help property owners deter squatters and protect their rights. Squatters’ rights in New York state vary, with individuals in New York City only needing to be present for a short period to claim squatters’ rights.
