(NewsInsights.org) – Throughout the US, homeowners and landlords are fighting a new invasion: squatters. Worse yet, some states and municipalities have enacted laws making it more difficult to expel them from homes and rental properties under the guise of tenant rights. However, one GOP New York City council member intends to fight the current laws to secure changes.
Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (R-Queens) is one of only six Republican members on the 51-member council. Yet, she said recent events have inspired city council and state assembly members to work across the aisle to rectify an ongoing problem with NYC Code § 26-521, which allows squatters to claim full tenant rights after only 30 days of residing at a property. That means owners or landlords must go through the courts to try to evict them.
I’m sure all of you have seen the news in recent weeks regarding squatters, including a recent high-profile case of a homeowner who was arrested for trying to remove a squatter from her home. These incidents are happening in my district, and it's unacceptable.
I have been… pic.twitter.com/uo47g3UFTp
— Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (@VickieforNYC) March 21, 2024
In one recent high-profile case, Adele Andaloro inherited her childhood home in Flushing, Queens, after her parents’ deaths. However, as she arranged to sell the property, two squatters moved in and claimed tenant status. Additionally, they rented out the home’s basement to a third tenant, meaning they were actually making money from Andaloro’s home while excluding her access. They had changed the front door and locks.
Speaking exclusively with Newsmax on Monday, March 25, Paladino said, “The 30 Day rule is not enough time.” She claimed, “owners literally have no rights due to the laws that have been passed.” The 69-year-old lawmaker, who just won reelection to a second term in November, said she was “furious” at the situation.
However, she stated that Republican assembly member Jake Blumencranz had submitted Assembly Bill A6894 to extend the tenancy qualification period from 30 to 45 days. Additionally, his legislation would make squatting a third-degree criminal trespass offense.
In the meantime, experts recommend inspecting vacant properties every couple of weeks, installing lighting and security systems, posting “No Trespassing” signs on the property, using timers or remote systems to turn lights on and off to make the property appear inhabited, and beefing up entry locks. Keeping the property in use is ideal.
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