Squatters Rights Likely to Become Huge Problem If Citizens Don’t Wise Up

One migrant influencer’s TikTok video is fueling other squatters to take action. That action is to invade Americans’ homes and seize it.

In the video, his exact words in Spanish call out to fellow migrants, saying, “My people, I’ve thought about invading a house in the United States. Because I learned there is a law that says that if a house is not inhabited we can expropriate it.”

Each state deals with squatters differently. But Moreno is referring to the law of adverse possession, colloquially known as squatters rights. It outlines what conditions (including time period) a trespasser can gain possession of a land or property in a certain place.

Homeowners in Atlanta, for example, have become particularly sensitive to the issue. Squatting is a major problem that’s making them too scared to leave the house and making it appear empty. Empty properties appear to be gold mines for unscrupulous individuals.

Andaloro was trying to sell her old parents’ home when she realized it had been occupied by squatters. In an attempt to evict the squatters, she changed the locks. But she was the one who ended up in handcuffs by the police.

New York State law says squatters can claim the legal right of a property without the original owner’s permission after 10 years living there. But in New York City, it only takes 10 days. Hence, why Andaloro continues to be tangled up in a court battle.

One tip is to make sure a house is completely empty by going through real estate listings (Zillow or Trulia). Homes that have been on the market for a while with no activity whatsoever are worth checking out.

Luxurious facilities may be enticing to some squatters, but it will inevitably invite authorities to check out the place. Potential new owners may also notice and then take issue, like in the case of this 2-million dollar house in Queens.

The practical is like placing an orange cone in a house’s driveway; if it’s removed, the house is not as empty as it suggests. While the bizarre includes putting a burner phone’s number on a for sale/for rent sign on a property to see if it would garner a response.

In some cases, like in a community with population decline such as Detroit in 2016, squatting becomes a way to revitalize the neighborhood. However, that did occur in an era before illegal immigration became an issue in the country.

To combat the dangers of people squatting in your vacant property, consider hiring a property manager, especially if you don’t live nearby. Other efforts include setting up “no trespassing” signs, installing an alarm system, and using motion sensors for extra alertness.

A report says homelessness has been rising since 2017. The high mortgage rates in the US today may become a problem for homeowners. If US citizens lose their homes, where will they live? Can they squat at their own homes? It’s definitely food for thought.