Propmodo Daily

By Franco Faraudo · Apr. 11, 2024

Greetings!

Squatting has become a more common problem for landlords. Faced with no choice, some landlords are choosing to hire specialists who use gorilla tactics to get squatters out. In today’s email, we look at how states are passing legislation that would help protect landlords from illegal squatters.

Also, the current economic situation has put a heightened importance on lease management. Commercial leasing activity may increase this year, but uncertainty will drive a focus on flexibility and efficient lease management. Landlords and tenants alike must understand their lease agreements to adapt to a changing market and make better-informed financial decisions.

Plus, this week in Propmodo Technology, sponsored by SWTCH, we're exploring multifamily management. Discover how technology optimizes feasibility studies, the rising value of electric vehicle charging stations, and strategies to accelerate lease-ups.

Now, let's dig in!

Squatting Epidemic Pushes States To Protect Property Owners

There has been a lot of attention being paid lately to squatters, thanks in part to one man. Flash Shelton (aka the Squatter Hunter) has become a bit of a minor celebrity for his business of helping landlords get rid of illegal squatters. Shelton turns squatters’ rights against the squatters themselves by occupying the property with a legal lease when the squatters are away. This isn’t only effective, it has created a fanbase of over 75,000 for the Squatter Hunter YouTube channel.

The housing crisis has spurred a spike in squatting across the country and now some states are passing laws to protect property owners from this illegal activity. Florida recently passed a bill that would make it easier to remove squatters from the property. "If you're the victim of squatting, you can simply fill out a form, give it to your local sheriff and the sheriff is instructed to go and remove the people who are inhabiting your dwelling illegally. And that will happen very quickly,” said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis about the legislation. Arizona has proposed a similar bill that is expected to pass.

Even New York has started rethinking the state’s squatter’s rights. A bill has been drafted that would change the definition of squatter and strip the trespassers of any of the rights that legal tenants have. “Our legislation makes clear under no uncertain terms that squatters are thieves and do not have any rights in the state of New York,” said State Assembly Member Ron Kim.

Most states allow swift legal eviction of tenants, but challenges arise when landlords must involve the police to physically remove squatters. Depending on police priorities and squatter rights, this process can take months. Squatting uniquely draws bipartisan criticism, unlike many landlord-tenant issues. This signals a need for potential legal reform in the future.

If squatting increases, states may be pressured to revise existing laws. Failure to do so could normalize the use of private services specializing in squatter removal. These services offer legally permissible, yet often forceful, methods to address a problem that traditional law enforcement may not prioritize.

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