Squatter Standoff: Inside look at NYC squatters and homeowner rights

[@Miss_Cherry]

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.

[@stoggy4839]

The system isn't broke the people in charge are morons. The squatter would have to evict the previous owner. but they don't they just move in and kick them out.

[@dariuszcisowski]

Squatters took the meaning of "Land of the free" too literally. Lol.

[@MR_ii_5150]

​@@stoggy4839 The system is broken BECAUSE of the morons in charge... the system is absolutely broken!

[@dorthymcbride3384]

The homeowner should sue the state!!

[@27273100]

No lease supercedes a legal deed. The house is the owner's outright.

[@briantbmoth6472]

⁠Accurate, this could happen to anyone that goes on vacation for a few weeks.

[@alexjones7845]

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.

[@jennarose3088]

Absolutely!

[@ganymeade5151]

Homeowners must form action groups to protect themselves and their properties.

[@DWilliam1]

This woman should be viewed as a trailblazer. Great job.

[@ScottsdaleSushi]

Citizens of the state of New York should be furious! This is a slap in the face to law abiding citizens who pay high property taxes there. Every state needs to change their squatter laws asap!

[@DWilliam1]

@@ScottsdaleSushi I agree

[@MaureenKerr-n9v]

@@ScottsdaleSushiyesterday. Today saw video Georgia has followed suit.

[@ganymeade5151]

She kept her cool when she had every reason to go Crazy Karen.

[@johnl1891]

Why people have to pay property tax if your property dont get protected by the government

[@itsgreat7150]

Because the government doesn’t care about you. The government just care about collecting money. 👈🏼

[@ThE4EvRPs3GaMeR]

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)

[@r0ckymarie]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@secrets.295]

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.

[@JaneJones-uh5le]

@@johnl1891 Protection money 😠

[@dragonusmc0311]

Outstanding job channel 7 NYC 👍👍

[@ChanaReich]

Keep on going great job❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sharonmiller271]

Homeowners, if your home is empty check your properties, to make sure your protected.

[@CairynJay]

Honestly I’ve seen cases where squatters move in within one day of others moving out

[@alexjones7845]

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.

[@clairelivefreeordie2551]

Hire a reputable house sitter. Never leave your property empty for any length of time

[@clairelivefreeordie2551]

​@alexjones7845 hire a house sitter...Money well spent

[@Bettersucksaul]

Install a security camera!! If you have them breaking in and entering on camera it's far easier to fix!

[@michaelmerrick3928]

the squatters will get their free rent IN PRISON

[@birdsong420]

Exactly what I thought!

[@Jesus_Saves_Believers]

Exactly.

[@diannmurphy2010]

Most will probably never be prosecuted because most are probably illegal immigrants and we all know they have more rights than us that work and pay taxes

[@pitbull1026]

Well, not free. We pay their rent.

[@clairelivefreeordie2551]

​@@pitbull1026better a jail cell than somebody else's home

[@darkdork1012]

We need changes nationwide.

[@loumon22]

Much needed legislation on this matter. Good job NY7 & the homeowner who put up a fight and never gave up.

[@Youscrewingwitme]

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

[@clairehebert2135]

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

[@deborahstone9696]

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.❤❤

[@biblesforbreakfast]

​​@@deborahstone9696well it seems to be adjusted at the state level. There should be a national anti squatter law. But seeing as how things run so slow in Washington hopefully more state governments will just wise up to the situation. I do notice unfortunately that blue States like mine are ignoring the problem. The New York being a rare exception where there are actual steps taken. But even so with New York that new law doesn't really do that much because the police officer still isn't going to kick someone out of their home and possibly get in trouble for misjudging the situation. They're still going to send that to the courts. Which doesn't make the process any faster.

[@Laoriginal718]

Exactly. Squatters rights is breaking and entering.

[@misteryosangvlogger3522]

Good job channel 7 thanks a million, helping for home owners

[@MarySmith-bc7mf]

Really? They didn’t help anyone

[@larna8609]

That lawyer is a disgrace

[@Jesus_Saves_Believers]

This is why lawyers get the vile reputation they do. They uphold clearly unfair legislative loopholes for money.

[@rn2787]

I'm not defending the squatters, but they have the right to an attorney and a trial. I think he's guilty, but I always put myself in the shoes of the people in court. If you were accused of a crime you would want your rights upheld. It doesn't matter if he is guilty, he deserves the same rights all people have because sometimes they are innocent. Again I am not defending the suspect, but our constitution is clear and nobody should be jailed without due process.

[@yeetmama]

​@@rn2787No, he doesn't. This is why our court systems are clogged with thieving sociopaths like this. When you condone unjust laws, then people with their backs to the wall will opt for vigilante street justice. Then you can forget about hypothetical "rights" for any due process

[@clairelivefreeordie2551]

​@rn2787 and nobody should tolerate being extorted by known criminals either

[@Morelove4ever8]

@@rn2787he can go to court but live outside the house! He’s not guaranteed housing. It’s not right

[@nybiggs]

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.

[@nybiggs]

@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.

[@yeetmama]

They want small working class property owners to get forced into foreclosure so that wealthy developers can come snatch up and steal out homes

[@ShanaraS-luv1]

Waste time and resources. Should been handled within 30 days. They don't appear case dismissed. Outrageous

[@lisawatson9570]

Wow, that sucks.

[@biblesforbreakfast]

That's ridiculous. If the moron didn't show up then they should have just said you won. No wonder it takes them so long if they have to give them two separate appearances. I've never even heard of that normally a judge will just throw out a case if the defendant doesn't show up.

[@CairynJay]

This makes me FURIOUS.

[@MarySmith-bc7mf]

Makes me sick

[@biblesforbreakfast]

And rightfully so honestly the state should be ashamed of their crap

[@eileenryan4687]

Please give the police tools. Please make the database so this insanity stops.

[@alexjones7845]

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.

[@biblesforbreakfast]

​@@alexjones7845 that's great to hear I know Florida already did something similar. I'm not typically a fan of conservative politics but they have the right idea here and this should be supported on a bipartisan basis. No one should be allowed to steal a home from a hard working tax paying homeowner.

[@darrellredman460]

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💯👍🏾

[@MEOWMIX305]

The arrogance from the Flores guy!!!

[@MaN-pw1bn]

IKR? Bring back public floggings!

[@danielleschiazza6172]

Right! I'm glad he is going to prison! Hopefully! He had some pretty hefty charges.

[@dougrebertus1992]

Frell squatters. I'll never understand why these interlopers have any rights at all.

[@nereidatorres7613]

HOW ON EARTH CAN THE LAW DEFEND A SQUATTER. IT IS A STUPID LAW A VERY STUPID LAW. NOT FAIR FOR THE HOME OWNER.

[@sharistrazz3313]

You are the first person I have ever seen used the WORD 'FRELL'!! I LOVE IT! I SAY IT ALL THE TIME!! I am a HUGE FARSCAPE CAN!! 😁

[@raymulvey9244]

she needs to sue the local government for this bs. This woman deserves a settlement

[@sp-cn8pm]

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.

[@beckythornton6470]

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.

[@yeetmama]

This is how wealthy property developers steal investment properties from the little guys. They use squatters and kangaroo courts to drive the little guy into foreclosure

[@User-m1w5l]

Council members again are proven worthless... at least until election time, then come the empty promises

[@stanleysecurity8700]

Who came up with 30 day for squatters. Weirdest law

[@briantbmoth6472]

What happened to trespassing and breaking-entering laws? If these are laws then they should be arrested.

[@beckythornton6470]

A former squatter!!

[@Gina-mh7fs]

Kkkkkk in bvb​@@briantbmoth6472

[@yeetmama]

Wealthy criminal property developers use squatters rights to drive little guy into foreclosure so they can come snatch them up for pennies on the dollar

[@ChiquitaMia-ci2vg]

@@yeetmamaI wouldn’t be a bit surprised.

[@ChanelNo5568]

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.

[@yeetmama]

With higher interest rates, so either way, squatters rights are used by wealthy corporations to steal our homes by forcing owners into foreclosure

[@biblesforbreakfast]

I considered that myself in my situation. I think in these cases where things are being put on hold for 20 months it may well be cheaper to let the banks do it. Since they're too big to get in trouble like a regular homeowner would.

[@AnnMarieHall-l6c]

She should sue the police terrible and very sad

[@shmoobugg00]

The police can’t enforce laws that don’t exist

[@r0ckymarie]

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)

[@briantbmoth6472]

Makes no sense. That is the process in many states.

[@r0ckymarie]

@@briantbmoth6472 what makes no sense?

[@milkachugina]

Crazy New York

[@craigschepers714]

2nd amendment

[@MarySmith-bc7mf]

Pay your rent

[@OlympiaR]

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

[@anitabonghit4380]

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.

[@7_of_9]

Get your guns and protect your property.

[@zataishasims9732]

I sure am

[@yourdream8]

It's NY lol the criminals have more rights.

[@christinahagar4816]

Wish you had Florida laws there. We’re more protected. Good luck to you.

[@skankhunt3624]

@@christinahagar4816 when did Florida change its squatter laws?

[@briantbmoth6472]

They are arrested in Ohio for trespassing and breaking/entering. These are felonies. You can’t claim squatter’s rights for 15 years.

[@blackspiderman1887]

If they can easily tell who own your vehicle based on registration, why can't they do the same for homes?

[@angelaweathersbee1334]

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.

[@ryanwaidalowski9221]

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

[@antonioinoa6961]

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….

[@marcmann3073]

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

[@silvania1989]

America is a messed up country

[@dorthymcbride3384]

Now sue congress for all damages and sue the squatters!! Good luck!

[@biblesforbreakfast]

You'll never see a penny from the squatters because they don't work a job. You can't get money from someone if they don't have a taxable income. This is what debtors prison was for back in the day. Nowadays they lose in court and get a piece of paper that says they owe money. They rip it up and don't do anything with it.

[@DRventura333]

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???

[@yeetmama]

They are getting kickbacks from wealthy property developers who use squatters to drive the little guy into foreclosure so they can snatch the property up for cheap

[@sofiachampion2543]

Criminals should have no rights.

[@muhammadabdurrasheed3215]

My family is going through the same thing right now in nyc. Thanks eyewitness news. Your reporting is helping many New Yorkers.

[@danielnapoli649]

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.

[@logicrealitytruth]

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. 😱🥺🤦🏽‍♀️

[@sharonloves]

Seeing that homeowner in handcuffs and the squatter smirking and being protected by the cops was simply infuriating and disgraceful. To think my tax dollars pay his salary is disgraceful. Where was his lease. How about asking the squatter to show proof of residence.

[@biblesforbreakfast]

In Florida they require a notarized lease. If you don't have that the police have every right to just drag you out. That's how it should be across the Nation. I don't typically care for Florida or conservative lawmaking. But I think that that is just good sense.

[@lizcoleman5229]

Same issue we have in Spain. Unbelievable how squatters have more rights than property owners!!

[@jessicajay3949]

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”

[@yeetmama]

it also allows wealthy corporations to steal our property by deploying squatters to financially drive homeowners into foreclosure

[@crystaldisbrow]

These stories make me so angry, deep down to my core.

[@lanalee8634]

There is no incentive to be a law abiding citizen.

[@cinnamonfreckles]

Need to also need speedy landlord tenant laws as well. Stop adjourning cases and dragging lawyer fees, etc.

[@ambermyers7463]

Exactly, it’s criminal what lawyers are doing to homeowners.

[@biblesforbreakfast]

Exactly it shouldn't cost the homeowner thousands of dollars that they will never get back to remove a criminal who will never pay them a penny in return. All of the financial burden including the lawyers the property tax and the utility bills racked up by the squatters all falls on the homeowner. It's profoundly unfair and un-American.

[@Colleen-w5o]

Well I know for a fact. They wouldn’t be in my house.

[@Metonymy1979]

Unfortunately, it took her to make things change. Pretty amazing.

[@stickapot3623]

amazing, effective investigative journalism

[@cubemissy]

I'm disturbed that the tv crew had video footage of these men breaking the door and putting their hands on the homeowner, and that lying about it didn't damage their credibility with the cops on the scene.

[@JenBurnett-l5j]

All leases should have to be notarized. Should have to include the legal owners documentation of ownership and the right of the leasing agent to lease the property. Cop knock, say “we think you are a squatter! Do you have a notarized lease?” If you can produce one, you can stay until seen in court. If no, you are out immediately, until court.

[@danielleschiazza6172]

Exactly.

[@biblesforbreakfast]

Thank You Adele for standing up to these criminals including the weaponized police

[@Grown-N-Nosey]

$300 Simplysafe System makes a world of difference! When that alarm goes off, thats burglary!

[@lindataylor-coghill600]

THANKYOU FOR GIVING US OUR PROPERTY RIGHTS BACK.

[@moobsiab]

Other States need to follow suit on this issue.

[@tonyamcintyre4400]

Great job channel 7!

[@sunsetparkbayridge11232]

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.

[@scottthomson3575]

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.

[@danielleschiazza6172]

Yup! Meanwhile, the owner still has to pay property taxes and, in a lot of cases, the water utility too.

[@ericgardner5548]

Police arrested her without the shitbag squatter providing a lease? Then it's not a civil matter, it's a crime.

[@marciayoung8735]

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.

[@beckythornton6470]

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.

[@danielleschiazza6172]

I agree! That is disgusting. The lawyer is a slimeball. How does the squatter have money for a lawyer but not to move? It's ridiculous.

[@shandorkato]

Great job guys. Thank you.

[@shawnvalencia8124]

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!

[@janegrey4374]

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.

[@danielleschiazza6172]

Exactly. Why tf should they have rights?

[@joyparker3116]

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!

[@JavierGarcias-gt8ou]

Excellent work 🕵🏻‍♂️

[@Tsiri09]

Some advice. If you own a home and you can't be there for more than a week, hire a property management company and make sure the contract says they have to monitor the property and take action if someone breaks in.

[@TothebatmobileJoy]

Proof of payment or last payment should be the defining factor. Then produce the lease. Without that you are a criminal..

[@RB-ew1te]

what a STUPID LAW!!!!

[@wub4991]

Great job guys, inspiring.

[@Sylwong1]

These types of laws that were passed in NY where the homeowners have the rights to their own property and not the squatters, should happen in all 50 states! Thank you ABC7NY for exposing the truth about this homeowner who tried to kick these squatters out of her property!

[@LittleHandsBaking]

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.🤦

[@ericdaniel92]

Its NOT " STUPID " AT ALL ... ! ITS A LEGAL DETERENT . YOU PUT THOSE " NO TRESSPASSING " SIGNS AND " KEEP OUT " SIGNS UP ... INSIDE. THE HOUSE AND / OR APARTMENT ... MOTOR HOME / CAMPER ... ETC ... RIGHT ON THE FRONT DOOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE ON EVERY WINDOW AND DOOR ... ...OUTSIDE . AND INSIDE ... THEN .. YOU TAKE CELLPHONE PICTURES AND VIDEO / CAMERA RECORDINGS OF ALL OF THOSE SIGNS YOU JUST POSTED UP ... THEN YOU HAVE LEGAL UNAUTHORIZED " ENTRY DETERRENT " LEGAL UNAUTHORIZED " ENTRY PROTECTION " ... ! TO SHOW LOCAL AND STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND LOCAL BOROUGH / TWSP. AND ANYONE ELSE ... ! PROOF ... THAT NO ONE ELSE BUT YOU ... WAS EVEN SUPPOSED TO EVEN STEP FOOT ON THE PROPERTY THERE ... ! LET ALONE ILLEGALLY " BREAK IN " TO ILLEGALLY " SQUAT " AND ILLEGALLY LIVE THERE ... ! SEE ... ! SO ITS DEFINITELY NOT " STUPID " ... !

[@biblesforbreakfast]

Politicians in any states where this is going on should be embarrassed

[@surajmathial4160]

Great job eyewitness news !!! We need better laws !

[@master19421]

It is a problem many many are having around the world.

[@Tara_Pannonica]

I couldn't even finish watching this video, too disturbing.

[@robsharer3134]

Change the battery in the smoke alarm.

[@PropertyandCasualtyAgent]

Check on your property and keep it maintained so it doesn’t appear abandoned. Having a couch and bed or a bed and kitchen table for example works for insurance purposes. Additionally, keep furniture in the property. That way the insurance company won’t consider it abandoned after 6 months if you need to file a claim for say vandalism caused by squatters or anything that may need covered if something happens.

[@JJones-lo3rt]

The fact they have rights and then the homeowner has to pay to keep the power on is mind blowing

[@scottthomson3575]

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.

[@JaneJones-uh5le]

I will NEVER buy property in this country. And I was born here.

[@myjazzvibes]

Great reporting!

[@jwspeakermre5968]

This needs to be done all across America

[@logicrealitytruth]

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!

[@julesmisty]

Why are the squatters never made to present documents of tenancy and proof that rent was paid and to whom? As soon as the owners show their legal documents of ownership, it's up to the courts to establish the homeowners right of possession and if squatters cannot show legal documents showing they're rightfully living in someone else's house, it's game over!! "housing advocates" are always young, possibly university students, who think one way, that people are entitled to live wherever they want. NO they're not. Those of us who own homes and pay the bills do not owe ANYONE a free house. Gtfoh.

[@ambrr_lily]

Squatters are not tenants! The police are the problem. They err on the side of the squatter because they're afraid (and lazy). They need to hire actual attorneys to interpret the law and explain their very simple part in the process: remove and arrest trespassers and burglars. Police aren't qualified to interpret the law. They should be held accountable for their failure to protect the law-abiding members of the community they have sworn to serve.

[@biblesforbreakfast]

This is an embarrassment to any first world country that tries to call itself free

[@tuyinc]

If you sign a bogus lease, that's YOUR fault! That shouldn't be a valid defense.

[@leerysunchez9419]

Squatters look for the loophole in the law to abuse of home owners Rights Squatters are mostly tweekers

[@chicanica64]

They have known for years! It took the embarrassing report and public outrage. They need to work on tougher laws.

[@maryhodgson1194]

This I'd so decussing I can't even Finnish watching it .this got to STOP .a war .

[@bunnymiddleton9849]

❤❤❤we bow to you❤❤❤

[@kristinetorrecillas1131]

I live in Senior community complex and we have a young lady who lived with her father and her father passed away. She was not on the lease and since her father has passed away, she refuses to move out, stuck with her right now.

[@thatguy9211-q8o]

Very informitive . I know a lady here in Tennesee also a Lawyer in New York who still argues about this. I may be misinformed of the Law however, She simply won't listen, like a child.

[@darrinwilson8484]

If you are a squatter I would just assume nobody is going to notice when you go missing

[@andx79]

These cops are a disgrace. An embarrassment to their family.

[@kristinetorrecillas1131]

I live in Senior community complex and we have a young lady who lived with her father and her father passed away. She was not on the lease and since her father has passed away, she refuses to move out, stuck with her right now. We have two other ladies that won’t pay their rent when needs to be out by the 14th and another lady has to go back to court two more times. These people just think they could do whatever they want. They have to go to jail.

[@youtube_sebastian]

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.

[@Jesus_Saves_Believers]

Well said. Exactly.

[@wellness285]

Thanks to the media!

[@sallymoore6920]

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

[@mrsstrawberryluv1]

👏👏👏👏👏 its about time you help the owners

[@timwolters1969]

Thank You New york