© Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
(New York, New York) – Squatters are losing rights in the Big Apple. City Councilwoman Susan Zhuang introduced a bill Thursday that will create a database to track squatters and list the properties they’ve taken over. Zhuang pushed the bill after squatting became a major issue in her southern-Brooklyn district. The same bill would also criminalize freeloading and make squatting an illegal act. The bill is expected to see major support from landlords and homeowners as some city residents are afraid to leave their home empty for long periods of time.
As of right now in New York, if a squatter resides in the property for 30 days, they legally become tenants and are protected from getting thrown out by cops. After this, landlords must seek a judicial eviction and wait for the court process, which can take up to two years.
