NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

I will take steps to prevent squatting and proactively respond whenever squatters are on my property. 

In 2024, not much time went by before we read about another shocking story in the news about squatters taking over someone’s home. We are encouraged that these reports have sparked widespread outrage.

Florida and New York were pioneers in enacting tougher laws to remove parasitic occupants and there is some chatter that California will follow suit in 2025.

Until then, we want you to be the eyes and ears of your vacant property. Rather than filing a police report, you can call 911 to report an active break-in situation to get a faster response from law enforcement.

Placing prominent no-trespassing signs is prudent, as is adequate lighting and parking a car in the driveway if possible. Owners can also alert local law enforcement that nobody is allowed to linger on the premises, citing Penal Code Section 602. This is a topic we took on here.

When unwanted occupants are discovered, our office can ascertain the legal status of who is lingering on the property and act accordingly. Are the occupants a licensee whose permission to occupy the premises can be rescinded? Do the occupants have a claim that they are tenants, or are they trespassers? Can locks be changed?

When we hear the generic term "squatter," it is not enough information to advise a course of action. We'll have to delve deeper. Rest assured, Bornstein Law can untangle many issues and ensure that you are the king or queen of your castle.

We addressed the subject matter in this webinar.

 

 

Of course, Bornstein Law can take legal action to remove squatters, naming them as Does if you don't know the names of these unfamiliar faces camping out in your units.