CA Issues Warning to Squatters

Squatters’ rights and the controversial legality of living on someone else’s property have been making headlines recently as there seem to be more squatters in California and other states like Florida and New York than ever before. Now, Newsom may finally have to make a change. 

Each state has its own set of laws regarding people living on property that is not theirs without paying the mortgage or any kind of rent. In California, it is technically illegal to trespass or squat on property that is not one’s own, even if it is vacant, abandoned or foreclosed. However, California also allows adverse possession claims. 

Sadly, the majority of the time, when a case is brought to court, the person in question has not paid the property taxes but is simply attempting to either elongate their stay on the property or pull one over the eyes of the justice system.

Landlords in California need to give illegal squatters a three-day eviction notice, which they can only obtain through a mandated court order. This, of course, costs money and can take months, depending on the county’s justice system. 

In California, many residents blame the Governor’s lenient laws. But others say the increase in the number of squatters across America is directly due to social media. There are now dozens of pages on various platforms, such as Reddit, X and YouTube, advising squatters on how to choose the best properties and get away without paying rent. 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis passed House Bill 621, which states that “a property owner can request law enforcement to immediately remove a squatter from their property.”

However, California Governor Gavin Newsom has yet to propose any kind of bill that would drastically change the state’s squatters’ rights.

However, as this bill still requires landlords and property owners to file paperwork with the court system before asking for police assistance, many argue that it is wildly ineffectual.

“Vigilante squatter movers,” like the Squatter Squad, “are far less costly and much faster than the court system, which can take approximately 11-12 months and untold thousands of dollars in legal fees to remove a squatter,” according to Daniel Yukelson, executive director of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles.

Landlord Jaskaran Singh from Washington reported losing $80,000 when a squatter on his property filed a restraining order against him, essentially barring him from his own home. 

As Yukelson explained, “Someone is going to get hurt, and that might be the squatters or the squatter removers. In a sense, we are dealing with the ‘wild, wild West’ here.”

Whether or not California will follow Florida’s lead and increase intervention from law enforcement or squatters is yet to be seen. But the vast majority of California residents hope that Gov. Newsom will pass such a bill sooner than later. 

With properties tied up in prolonged squatting cases, the housing stock available for legitimate sale or rental decreases. This reduction exacerbates the housing crisis, driving up costs and limiting options for prospective homeowners.

The fear of encountering squatters who might be aggressive or violent adds to their distress. Anecdotes reveal that the emotional burden can be as taxing as the financial losses incurred.

New York and Georgia have also tightened their laws, making it easier to evict squatters quickly. These states’ successful policies provide a blueprint for potential reforms in California to address its squatting issues.

Legal experts suggest that adopting measures similar to those in Florida could significantly alleviate the issue. However, the feasibility and potential impact of these reforms remain points of contention among stakeholders.

Renters often find themselves caught in the middle of eviction battles, facing uncertainty about their living situation and potential displacement if squatters are not swiftly removed.

Videos of his team confronting squatters are popular on social media, and their services cost between $5,000 and $20,000. The squatting issue is exacerbated by online resources that provide tips on squatting, making it harder to combat the problem.

These resources have made it easier for squatters to operate, complicating efforts to address the issue. Countermeasures to limit such information dissemination are essential to curb this growing trend.

Legal tips include keeping properties well-maintained and promptly addressing any trespassing incidents. Community initiatives, such as neighborhood watch programs, also play a crucial role in preventing squatting.

Community watch groups actively monitor neighborhoods to report suspicious activities. Public awareness campaigns educate property owners about their rights and the steps they can take to protect their properties, fostering a collaborative effort to tackle squatting.

Addressing the root causes, such as expanding affordable housing and enhancing social support services, is crucial to mitigating the squatter issue and providing sustainable solutions for vulnerable groups.

Some cities are piloting housing programs that provide temporary shelter for squatters, transitioning them into legal housing. These alternatives aim to address the underlying issues while reducing the reliance on costly and prolonged legal processes.

However, continuous efforts will be needed to adapt to evolving trends. Experts predict that a combination of legal, social, and technological strategies will be essential for long-term solutions to this complex issue.