How New York lawmakers can help protect homeowners against squatters, according to a legal expert [Video]

New York’s 2024 state budget signed into law in April included a clear definition of a “squatter,” but a New York City attorney believes more can be done to protect homeowners and landlords. 

Several states across the country have passed laws to prevent squatting. One was Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation in March 2024 that went into effect July 1.

“You are not going to be able to commandeer somebody’s private property and expect to get away with it. We are in the state of Florida ending the squatter scam once and for all,” DeSantis said during a press conference.

ADVICE FROM PROFESSIONALS ON PROTECTING YOUR HOME AGAINST SQUATTERS

In part, the law made it easier for law enforcement to intervene in squatter disputes in the state of Florida. 

The law “will give the homeowner the ability to quickly and legally remove a squatter from a property, which will increase criminal penalties for squatting. Now, we have not had the same type of issues here, as you’ve seen in California or …