NYC Assembly Member Files Bill to Quash Squatter Rights

New York State Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz filed a bill to empower landlords to evict squatters on their properties. 

According to abc7ny, the bill, similar to the one passed in Florida recently, proposes an extension of a 45-day period, as opposed to the current 30-day, in which someone can have the rights to stay on the property. The bill also says a squatter cannot be identified as a tenant. 

Blumencranz, a Republican representing District 15 from Long Island, said the bill would ensure that squatters are held liable for their unlawful actions.

"We're making sure squatters can't take advantage of the law, that's all we're doing," Blumencranz said. 

The Assembly member said it was unfair that landlords footed the bills incurred by squatters.

"People can stay in homes for years, years, without having justice brought to them for essentially staying for free and making homeowners pay the bill," he said. 

The news station reported that the police cannot arrest squatters for trespassing if they claim to be tenants. Homeowners can challenge the occupation via court, a matter that could take up to two years.