Squatter Standoff: Inside look at NYC squatters and homeowner rights
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- Опубліковано 20 тра 2024
- It's an issue that struck a nerve in the community - squatters breaking into homes that don't belong to them and homeowners having little power to remove them.
A series of 7 On Your Side Investigations that exposed the issue and captured a homeowner getting arrested for changing the locks on her own home went viral.
The investigations led to changes in state and local laws.
We show you exactly what those changes mean for you or people you know, how to protect your own property, and what more changes could soon be on the way. We also hear from experts who say the new changes don't go far enough.
Watch "Squatter Standoff: Eyewitness to Change" anywhere you stream abc7ny.
DO YOU NEED A STORY INVESTIGATED? Dan Krauth, Kristin Thorne, and the 7 On Your Side Investigates team at Eyewitness News want to hear from you! Call our confidential tip line 1-877-TIP-NEWS (847-6397).
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The fact that they still have to pay taxes on a property that someone is living in rent free is infuriating. She did the right thing. I'm proud of her.
The homeowner should sue the state!!
No lease supercedes a legal deed. The house is the owner's outright.
Accurate, this could happen to anyone that goes on vacation for a few weeks.
Unfortunately, people can't sue the state for stupid laws because the government has immunity for most types of lawsuits except limited civil rights violations. Although she should be able to sue.
Why people have to pay property tax if your property dont get protected by the government
Because the government doesn’t care about you.
The government just care about collecting money. 👈🏼
The government isn't here to protect your property. They are there to snatch it from from you the moment you stop paying your lease fee(property tax)
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I have been to Indonesia & The Philippines & Vietnam. While they are poor, much2 poorer than the US & they are corrupt. The legal system isn't this bad. There are no squatter rights, people who commit petty theft will go to jail, let alone looting. America's legal system is so pathetic it has become worse than a poor country. It's not primitive, it's barbaric. 😂. It is so damn corrupt. Poor countries corruption is different. It is more of a bribery type of corruption or you directly take tax revenue & put it into your account. In the US, it is more of a moral corruption. I would argue that is even more dangerous than bribery.
This woman should be viewed as a trailblazer. Great job.
Homeowners, if your home is empty check your properties, to make sure your protected.
Honestly I’ve seen cases where squatters move in within one day of others moving out
Although that's good advice. Sometimes it's just a matter of a couple of days empty and someone moves in. Literally impossible to be there 24/7 to watch the house.
That lawyer is a disgrace
This is why lawyers get the vile reputation they do. They uphold clearly unfair legislative loopholes for money.
the squatters will get their free rent IN PRISON
Exactly what I thought!
Exactly.
The court system is completely broken. They need to build new courthouses and/or hire more judges. The courts are just completely overwhelmed. I sued a tenant I had to evict in small claims court in February of 2023. The initial court date was October 2023. Which got rescheduled to December 2023, and finally February, 2024. When I went to court, the former tenant of course didn't show up. But everyone in NY is entittled to two appearances, so the case was adjourned until June 2024. Now I just received notice that the case is again rescheduled to October 2024. Assuming that I do indeed have a hearing in October, that's 20 months for a 15 minute open and shut case, which the former tenant will likely not even appear for.
@@sillyseattlecat this video is focused on nyc housing court, as are my comments. There are currently 50 rotating judges for housing court for all five boroughs appointed for 5 years. It’s simply not enough for a population of 8 1/2 million.
You are correct it’s not as simple as “hiring” more people. But it’s an issue that doesn’t register at all with the legislative branch. In fact the legislative branch continues passing laws that operate around the idea of 30 days as the benchmark for correction when it’s impossible to get anything done in the judicial system in less than blocks of 90.
So while I did indeed incorrectly simplify the problem, the sentiment for solution is still the same. We need more judges to deal with a population and case log this large. That requires legislation change and a lot more funding. Instead of trying to invoke laws that may help a specific problem, they should address the problem solving system which currently takes years to operate.
Looking into it more, in 2018 there was a movement to increase the number of judges from 50 to 60 as well as increase the term from 5 to 10 years (so judges don’t have to focus so much time on reappointment). That went nowhere and the number of evictions have skyrocketed since pandemic.
Outstanding job channel 7 NYC 👍👍
Keep on going great job❤❤❤❤❤❤
Good job channel 7 thanks a million, helping for home owners
The arrogance from the Flores guy!!!
IKR? Bring back public floggings!
Frell squatters. I'll never understand why these interlopers have any rights at all.
We need changes nationwide.
Please give the police tools. Please make the database so this insanity stops.
More conservative states are passing new laws that simplify the process for owners. In a state like TN, an owner just needs to sign an affidavit that there is no lawful lease and the person broke in. Then the sheriff will give the squatter 24 hrs after which the sheriff will evict the squatter. Typically takes about a week to get them out. Not perfect but 100 times better than forcing the owners to go through the eviction court for tenants.
These property laws are extortion. I had tenants who wouldn't leave specifically BECAUSE of the laws. It is my personal home where I had a side hustle, and the tenants were doing things that were causing me health issues, hence why I ended the lease. Why shouldn't I have more rights in my personal home than grifters??? Tried to talk to my councilwoman, who apparently is too busy to speak to me, yet national organizations were able to get back to me within a day or two. Philly city council apparently thinks what I'm going thru is a special case. Clearly not. My former tenants had no financial issues or barriers that prevented them from finding alternative housing, just claimed victimhood like those squatters. The only reason they left is because I made it clear I'll raise hell, and it won't be a comfortable stay. I was very nice with them until I wasn't.
I had similar issues. Finally informed the squatter and her squatter sub let that I was tired of trying to address these issues with police and lawyers , and had decided to hire my own "help". People who didn't use last names, or worry about "all the rules and laws". I met those two b#*ches in the actual realm they lived in and the values and standards that they aligned with. I just said it calmly and quietly to her in a corner of the yard. That was on a Thursday, the following Sunday morning they were gone. Even left some expensive things behind that I sold a couple months later and got some of the rent I was owed. She knew that I was serious, and it could end badly. It is insane that we must go to these types of lengths over something wholly our own property. Wrong on so many levels. Maybe doesn't hurt the big apartment owners and corporations so much, but we small one rental owning people, who need rent income to live, are really suffering from these ineffective laws.
One lady said this happened to her so she let her house go into foreclosure. The Bank put a pad lock on the door within at least 4 or 5 months. (Squatter could do nothing about it and it was quicker than the court) By the time the foreclosure hit her credit report she already bought a new house.
Much needed legislation on this matter. Good job NY7 & the homeowner who put up a fight and never gave up.
Right ppl stealing ppl identity and taking advantage till the truth come above now they play victims I'm so sick of ppllike this ,this is happening to alot of us of all nationality
To hear a Senate or House of Representative say that "they never new this was happening" is shocking, with as many complaints that have been on the news for the past few years. To ensure across the American States that all representatives and council people are aware, ALL homeowners and apartment owners, who are presently facing this issue, should go to their representatives website and file a complaint with their evidentiary documents of criminal squatters on their property. As well, contact their local news stations investigation team to highlight their story of illegal squatters. The Laws/Bill for Anti-Squatting need to be signed across the American States. What kind of interns are working in those offices that they don't highlight such issues from the local communities???
Channel 7 you brought your A Game on this one. They were taking advantage over the homeowner. Thank God there are news outlets like you guys 7 on your side. Many states do not have that some news do,have good outcome everyday is an intuitive one for sure. Keep up the good job channel 7💯👍🏾
If I’m 10 days late on my rent I get a 14-day eviction notice, then on the 24th I would get a court date before the 1st of the next month, not even a full 30 days late. Then the judge will rule in favor of the landlord….how does someone with a lease get evicted within 30 days but these squatter situations can take two years to get them out? (Long Island, NY)
Makes no sense. That is the process in many states.
@@briantbmoth6472 what makes no sense?
This makes me FURIOUS.
She should sue the police terrible and very sad
The police can’t enforce laws that don’t exist
Great commentary. This is were I had to laugh: owner has the proper documentation and a thief doesn't. Owner with proper documentation gets arrested. Journalist asked the thief "show me a lease." The thief shows bills, according to journalist. This situation should have been handled by the police officer: owner with proper documentation and thief doesn't. Escort thief off the premises and tell the thief"take the owner to civil and/or housing court." Who was the lady, who open the door? It's obvious, she had something to do with this situation. Personally, I would sue the police, the thief and the mystery woman with a key. As for the politicians, they finally got something halfway right. LMAO
9:37 this made me chuckle hearing the governor of New York mentioning people being somewhere illegally😅😂
In California it a thousand times worse.
This with the "No Trespassing" sign is so stupid! The squatter can say they put the sign to ptrotect themselves.🤦🤦 Why aren't they making logical changes. The paperwork that I own the house should be enough.🤦
What is wrong with our justices system these days ,why in the hell do squatters have rights if you don’t pay rent then you should be kicked out if you we’re never invited wow
Most of the time it's very old laws that were still on the books. The other thing is loopholes in laws that weren't anticipated.
Get your guns and protect your property.
I sure am
It's NY lol the criminals have more rights.
Wish you had Florida laws there. We’re more protected. Good luck to you.
@@christinahagar4816 when did Florida change its squatter laws?
They are arrested in Ohio for trespassing and breaking/entering. These are felonies. You can’t claim squatter’s rights for 15 years.
Who came up with 30 day for squatters. Weirdest law
What happened to trespassing and breaking-entering laws? If these are laws then they should be arrested.
A former squatter!!
Kkkkkk in bvb@@briantbmoth6472
Someone breaking in and stealing a home, is totally different from renter issue. Protect the homeowner. A bogus rental agreement is about due diligence on tenant's part.
Reason # 1000 I will never be a landlord in nyc. Born and raised here and I seen first hand how human greed and narcissism is used to take advantage of the system. Tenant & Squater rights do serve a purpose but it needs to be revamped and airtight so that if you have no legal basis then NYPD can immediately escort you out. We need a law almost identical to the one that Florida recently past….
These laws are all by design. They don’t want you owning a home and making money collecting rent. So it’s discouraging future home buyers that want to buy their house and then maybe rent it so it pays itself off while you buy another house for you to live in, and be well off.
Remember “You will own nothing and be happy”
The squatters rights has to be the most F ing ridiculous law ever created. I would go bat shit crazy and probably do something very illegal myself
she needs to sue the local government for this bs. This woman deserves a settlement
America is a messed up country
In Michigan, squatters took over my parent’s house when they moved out of State. These trespassers did tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage. They destroyed plumbing, tore up and burned floorboards and pieces of furniture in the wood stove, had animals urinate and defecate on all the carpets, left the door open so snow drifts swelled the hall floor, left dead animals and damage from rats that took over and even chewed the cupboard doors when the squatters finally vacated, etc. I lived hours away, and when my parents rented the home to me, I walked into a nightmare. Each room was filled with garbage. They got away with it. It took me over two years to undo the damage. 😱🥺🤦🏽♀️
If someone rents a home from someone other than the legal homeowner or leasee that is Their problem. The scammer who rented out a home/room illegally has comitted a felony. Is nothing sacred??? Renters should be instructed to keep a copy of their lease handy to show the police.
Criminals should have no rights.
If they can easily tell who own your vehicle based on registration, why can't they do the same for homes?
Unfortunately, it took her to make things change. Pretty amazing.
Need to also need speedy landlord tenant laws as well. Stop adjourning cases and dragging lawyer fees, etc.
Exactly, it’s criminal what lawyers are doing to homeowners.
Great job channel 7!
Excellent work 🕵🏻♂️
A squatter is a thief. Get a job. No property owner should be arrested because they want their home. This is pure insanity. No legal loopholes, no rights, no thieves allowed to get away with this
The squatters have had rights over the owners for years!! Can't fix this in a couple of days. ..changing law .hopefully this will be a rule instead of the exception from now on.❤❤
Great job guys, inspiring.
Great reporting!
Instead of "simple changes", the squatter laws should be abolished completely, retroactive for homeowners who have been trying to get rid of squatters for weeks, months and years.
I will NEVER buy property in this country. And I was born here.
Great job eyewitness news !!! We need better laws !
Everyone is complaining about rent rise and unaffordable. Here is the reason. It's not worthy to be a landlord in NYC. In the future, if you don't have 40 times of reliable income, 750 credits. You won't find the house. For those tenants, elderly, with children, you can't find a house too. The law is protecting bad people but hurting these people.
Now sue congress for all damages and sue the squatters!! Good luck!
And this right here is one of the reasons why people are flying the American flag upside down, and that's just one reason over a ton of reasons.
The fact they have rights and then the homeowner has to pay to keep the power on is mind blowing
Thanks to the media!
It’s good now because his name and his image is part of the Internet he’ll find it very difficult to rent a place from this point on or even to get into a place to live
Amazing job!!!! Kudos!!! Adele, the news people, and the Queens DA are all heroes! A housing advocate who agrees with squatter situations? Oye. Hey! Move into the advocates house then!
what a STUPID LAW!!!!
This needs to be done all across America
Did they really say it can take up to 2 years for the eviction process? The homeowner is definitely a very brave person and an amazing example of doing what is needed for the overall good in society. Hopefully she stays safe.
Have a wonderful neighbor to help you- no one wants to be robbed! Our neighbor was so good to us! Could never have done it without her! Love her forever!
Doesn't putting out those signs kind of says that the house is vacant?
Thank You New york
$300 Simplysafe System makes a world of difference! When that alarm goes off, thats burglary!
ADT Systems need to be set up just so squatters can think twice before breaking in other people's homes
People don't understand that someone can take over someone's home and that the government is totally impotent to do something about it.
yes, the homeowner won at a very high cost. Imagine the financial and mental stress she went through because the housing law is flawed. The time spent, the sleepless nights, the mental agony of arguing with this low lives, the attorney fees, the housing repairs, etc.
Life should be simple, if a person have no proof then you have no rights. Imagine if a person left his car, then someone drive it around and claims that he has now rights, now the thief will not leave unless court orders it. This is plain STUIPID.
Crime pays a lot right and now and the police/law is NOT being respected anymore because social and news media have portrayed some of them as thugs.
Well said. Exactly.
Ill be damned... I live in rural PA... This absolutely would not fly. It is sickening our politicians have total ignored and in most cases even encouraged this insanity.
I don't get this whole squatter thing. What happened to property rights ? what happened to breaking and entering laws?
This I'd so decussing I can't even Finnish watching it .this got to STOP .a war .
Congratulations and thank you for being willing to go the distance in this horrible situation we are currently in with entitled people just taking whatever they want, in the name of poverty, or unwillingness to work, or more commonly, addiction and mental illness that isn't being treated.
Try forcing yourself into a Florida home. Kudos to this brave woman!
God bless Adele and ABC7NY! GOOD JOB
I was a hard-working HVAC construction worker in Sioux City the hot summer of 2013. I lived under a bridge I had my own River. The friends my friends told me of a house vacant on a hill in the ghetto, papers are none I was in the reddest part of a red state. I didn't even want to walk across a super long bridge after I moved into cheap motel with another guy. WTF. Most beautiful area i ever saw is called singing hills, singing the wrong tune😢
The problem I would like to see a group of lawyers take on is how landlords are charging tenants anywhere from $50 to $100 USD per month, per pet. I had 2 dogs and had to add $ 200 a month to my rent just to have my dogs. And he refused to put up a fence. Please put a stop to slumlords!!!
Y’all know the squatters know where she lives now. You in danger girl! 😅
Send him to prison
This second man and his lawyer smile as they say "he just needs money for his family, then will do something". What garbage! We ALL need money and homes and all sorts of things, but it is not on anyone else to get it for you. It is your job to care for you and your family, not your right to squat or demand from people endlessly. I am not mean or un- gracious or stingy, and I don't want anyone to suffer unnecessarily . But it cannot mean that your issues are now going to become mine to fix. I have my own burdens and problems, and I have never been at your door asking you or demanding from you that you fix them for me. See how nice I am?, follow that example for yourself.
You can't steal a loaf of bread to feed your children, but can steal an entire house!!!!
If no one was living there, all the windows and doors would be smashed or missing, and it would be covered in graffiti. That is a fact. It would cost the owner, tens of thousands of dollars to repair or demolish such a house. The owner would be under sanction to leave it like that, with DAILY FINES, until it no longer looks like a ruined hovel. The squatter is doing a favour to the owner, to ensure they do not suffer future costs. The owner seems to think she has no social contract with the city or its other citizens. It is not her home, it is an abandoned property.
It's crazy that squatter has right in a other pp home
Lawmakers are always so quick to brag and take credit for doing absolutely nothing. I cant stand them.
Hooray for this woman that she had a good resolution but most people still wont with these present laws.
So if someone breaks into your house they are considered a tenant and you have to sue them to get them out? That can't be right?
They have known for years! It took the embarrassing report and public outrage. They need to work on tougher laws.
It’s simple . Make the lease date the deed number of the property below the seller signature so it proves the owner has the deed or maybe an attached photo copy of deed to the lease.
If someone steals my car, and I find the car and drive away, do I get arrested and accrue court costs and a police record for taking back my stolen property?!! That is the same insanity that is taking place with the squatter epidemic!
If you sign a bogus lease, that's YOUR fault! That shouldn't be a valid defense.
Why,everyone knows squatting is wrong 😮
They're not just squatters
They robbed the house with $100,000 rented from owner
Hahaha 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Thank you media keep it going .
This made my blood boil! When Adele got arrested, I felt helpless for her. It's about time people got there comeuppance!
Lol Brian should've just left and not call the cops
Georgia passed a law that squatting is a felony….period!
Wow can't believe that last guy is still there. He is one sick f**k. That is awful to do that to someone. Hope they get their house back.
have the home owners submit rental agreements online. if there is none and the squatter can not provide a approved rental agreement that was registerd with the county office than they are nothing but a squatter and must be removed right away. this would solve alot of problems
Bloody Ridiculous!! It's NOT squatting, it's ILLEGAL CRIMINAL TRESSPASSING, UGH!!!
Our congress should have taken care of the squatter problem in 2021 and on with a bill.....but no, congress has been playing political games due to not agreeing with anything!!
Easiest fix. If someone claims to live in a house they are automatically liable for the property taxes.
I hope this bill covers all fifty states!
I pity the fool who thinks they can squat in my house and think ill pay thousands of dollars of court fees and loss of income in order to reclaim my home.
Well done to the TV channel. I am glad the first lday got her house back. The second one who bought near family with the disabled child - surely something can be done. there is no way a previous owner let him stay for life. Even here in the UK if someone has a room connected to work eg in a boarding school or a "tied cottage" on a farm when you leave the job you have to leave the property. The resident is using blackmail. Far from the owner paying him to leave he should be paying all the loss of rent and every legal costs and be jailed for fraud in my view. If you can get back in lawfully and have written proof you are the tenant or your adult child is your tenant then when the fraudster calls police on you presumably the police have to tell the fraudster this is a civil matter take the person to court and then you simply do not leave ever - have a rota of 2 new family member tenants who never leave. The squatter will soon get sick of having to share.
It’s gross that he knew how to play the game!