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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 18, 2024 01:00 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Daniel Laughlin |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Establishing Clear Guidelines to Protect the Rights of Property Owners Against Squatters |
| In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation aimed at codifying Pennsylvania case law to establish more certainty for landlords, law enforcement, and homeowners who encounter squatters. The growing problem of squatters unlawfully taking over homes is becoming increasingly prevalent and poses a significant threat to the stability and security of homeowners nationwide. Unfortunately, there is no standard approach to dealing with squatters across different states. For instance, in New York, any occupant who has been in possession of a premises for thirty consecutive days or longer is granted tenancy rights. This means that even if the individual(s) did not obtain possession legally from the owner, they would be considered tenants and would require formal eviction procedures to remove them. On the other hand, in Pennsylvania, such individuals would be considered trespassers once the landowner warns them that they are not welcome and instructs them to vacate. Under Pennsylvania law, individuals who remain in any place where they are not licensed or privileged to be, commit the offense of defiant trespass. Given the inconsistencies and lack of clarity in how different states address squatter concerns, it is imperative that we establish clear and uniform guidelines within Pennsylvania. The legislation would clarify the legal status of squatters in Pennsylvania and streamline the process for removing them from residential properties. Please join me in supporting this crucial piece of legislation to establish clear guidelines to better protect the rights of property owners while ensuring that squatters are dealt with in a fair and timely manner. |
Introduced as SB1236