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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 27, 2024 10:22 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Doug Mastriano |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Property Owners Protection Act - Protection against Squatters |
| In the near future, I intend to introduce the Property Owners Protection Act, which will establish a simplified pathway for landlords, law enforcement, and homeowners to protect property owners from squatters. The ever increasing problem of squatters entering dwellings unlawfully, taking over homes while people are on vacation, a rental property that is sitting vacant or a summer home that is unoccupied out of season, is becoming increasingly common place and poses a growing danger to the stability and security of property owners nationwide. Not to mention the danger of a homeowner walking into their own property to find a squatter inside. Current laws are vague and ambiguous with no clear, specified remedy to the situation. All to often, a property owner must spend time and money to reclaim what is rightfully theirs. Unfortunately, they are treated as the “perpetrator” while the “squatter” has all the rights and protections. This legislation changes that dynamic. This legislation provides clear and concise direction on who the owner is, what their rights are and how to quickly, efficiently, and most importantly, cost effectively, remove a “squatter” from the property. This legislation also gives law enforcement the tools and guidance it needs to not only remove the squatter in a timely manner but to charge the squatter with a crime if deemed appropriate. Given the inconsistencies in how different states address property owners rights when it comes to squatters, it is of the upmost importance that we establish clear and uniform guidelines that protect property owners here in Pennsylvania. This legislation would clarify the legal process, provide law enforcement with the tools they need, and streamline the procedures for the removal of squatters from the property. Its time we place the rights of the property owner above the squatters who are breaking the law. Please join me in supporting this important piece of legislation that will establish, once and for all, that property owners deserve to have their rights of occupancy and ownership protected. |
Introduced as SB1333
Memo Updated: October 1, 2024 01:52 PM