ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

Homeowners Face off Against Trespassers in Property Standoffs Amid Squatter Epidemic

Squatters exploit legal loopholes, posing safety risks amid nationwide homeowner battles.
PUBLISHED MAR 26, 2024
Cover Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Filip Szyller
Cover Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Filip Szyller

In a troubling trend sweeping across the nation, homeowners are finding themselves in battles against thousands of squatters who are unlawfully occupying their properties. These confrontations have led to a surge in standoffs between property owners and trespassers, raising urgent concerns about homeowner rights and public safety.



 

The issue gained widespread attention following the emergence of a viral video featuring Venezuelan migrant and TikTok influencer Leonel Moreno, advocating for the occupation of vacant American homes. This incident propelled the longstanding matter of squatters' rights into the spotlight, igniting intense scrutiny and debate.

Pexels | Photo by Diva Plavalaguna
Pexels | Photo by Diva Plavalaguna

In one particular case in New York, homeowner Adele Andaloro inherited her parents' residence following their passing. As she prepared the property for sale, she made a startling discovery in February—squatters had unlawfully taken up residence.

Despite her attempts to regain control by bringing in a locksmith to change the locks, Andaloro encountered legal hurdles due to state laws granting squatters rights after a mere 30 days of occupancy. Her efforts to remove the squatters culminated in her arrest on charges of illegal eviction.



 

Tragically, squatting took a deadly turn in another instance when Nadia Vitel was brutally murdered after confronting two teenage squatters, Halley Tejada and Kensly Alston, in her late mother's apartment in New York. The woman's family discovered her body days later, sparking outrage and emphasizing the perils associated with the unauthorized occupation of properties.

Similar struggles have unfolded nationwide, as homeowners like Jaskaran Singh in Washington State grapple with battles to reclaim their residences from squatters who refuse to vacate. In Atlanta, an estimated 1,200 homes have fallen victim to squatters, overwhelming courts and law enforcement agencies.

The surge in squatting incidents has prompted calls for legislative action to safeguard homeowner rights. In Georgia, Lt. Col. Dahlia Daure found herself unable to evict a squatter from her home upon returning from active duty. Initially dismissed as a civil matter by police, Daure eventually utilized landlord-tenant laws to have the squatter arrested for illegal possession of firearms and drugs.

Even California, renowned for its stringent squatting laws, has not escaped the problem. Squatters took control of a Beverly Hills mansion, organizing parties and charging admission fees until legal pressure compelled their eviction. However, the state's adverse possession law permits such individuals to claim ownership after five years of occupancy, complicating efforts to combat the issue.



 

Amid the escalating crisis, Florida legislators enacted House Bill 621 to grant homeowners the authority to seek police intervention against squatters, subjecting them to criminal prosecution.

However, despite legislative measures, clashes between homeowners and squatters have occasionally escalated into violence, as seen in a recent incident in Ocala, Florida, where a homeowner discharged a firearm to evict a squatter from his premises.

Experts and observers warn of grave repercussions if the issue persists unchecked. Renowned podcaster Tim Pool cautioned against the potential for escalating tensions to culminate in vigilante justice, as exasperated homeowners resort to personal actions to reclaim their properties.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
The star of Boyz II Men got sentimental after looking at the item from their first album cover.
3 hours ago
The answer on the survey board made Harvey put up a funny skit.
5 hours ago
It wasn't an ordinary ring but the 2004 Patriots Super Bowl Ring, which Harrison refused to let go.
1 day ago
Harvey was in disbelief after he misheard what Ming-Na Wen's teammate said.
1 day ago
Harvey could feel the pain as he collected the answers from the contestants.
1 day ago
The owner of Harry Karstens' First Ascent Denali Ice Axe was shocked to learn how valuable it was.
2 days ago
As model Rachel Reynolds slammed on the brakes, fellow presenter Alexis Gaube nearly fell over.
2 days ago
Harvey couldn't believe his eyes when an answer did not show up on the board.
2 days ago
The winner, Trish yelled "This cannot be happening!" as she sat in her new car.
2 days ago
Harvey was shocked to see some of the answers show up on the board.
2 days ago
The seemingly tough puzzle cost contestant, Kelly Amodio a brand new Mini Cooper.
2 days ago
The contestant, Jodi Hope took home $75,000, using her puzzle solving skills.
2 days ago
The guest had to promise on camera to share the profits with her friend who gifted the item.
3 days ago
Harvey just couldn't seem to understand what Giuliana Rancic's mother was saying.
3 days ago
Harvey had to take a moment to school the contestant on how the game is played.
3 days ago
It seemed like Veronica forgot she was holding the host's hand after the win.
3 days ago
The owner of the Jean-Michel Basquiat Oil Stick Painting made it clear that it wasn't going anywhere
3 days ago
The player, Jason Warren missed out on taking home more than $86,000.
3 days ago
The TikTok creator @thebiteo87 stirred a debate on social media by exposing the new tactic.
4 days ago