Florida Governor Signs New Law Squashing Squatters’ Rights

In late March, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation that makes it easier to remove squatters—which, as we have seen, is a growing problem across the nation. According to WPTV, under the new law, a property owner can request law enforcement to immediately remove a squatter if the person has unlawfully entered, has refused to leave after being told by the homeowner to do so and is not a current or former tenant in a legal dispute.

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Legislation cracking down on squatters unveiled in Albany

A bipartisan package of bills to crack down on squatters was unveiled in Albany on Wednesday. The legislation aims to propose stricter laws and expedited eviction processes.

Members of the New York State Assembly joined with landlords, putting forward a bill to try to close a legal loophole.

"Assembly Bill 6894 is simple. It would allow lawful homeowners to remove squatters by redefining squatters as trespassers rather than tenants under New York state law," Blumencranz said.

Elected officials say the legislation is urgent after a squatting case turned deadly last week. Police sources say 52-year-old Nadia Vitels traveled from Spain to New York City to check on her deceased mother's vacant apartment in Kips Bay. She arrived unaware two squatters had been living there.

"She went to the apartment, encountered two squatters who tragically beat her to death and then stuffed her body in a duffel bag. Really horrific," Assemblymember Will Barclay said.

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Squatters Reform Act gives property owners more rights in Georgia

“It puts some parameters to protect property owners," said Georgia Representative Misha Mainor. "Right now, if there were a victim process, it could take months to get someone out of your home that you own; now, it will take three days."

In addition, Mainor said squatters will now be held financially liable to speed up the eviction process.

“They also must pay rent for all of the time that they were in the property and for any damages," she said.

Mainor adds that squatters who make up fake rental agreements could be charged with a misdemeanor and jailed for up to a year.

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