Squatter removal activist Flash Shelton
via Youtube
Squatter removal activist, Flash Shelton, encountered squatters living in his late father’s home and was unable to easily remove them due to civil statutes protecting squatters. Shelton then launched United Handymans Association and “Squatter Hunters” to help homeowners remove squatters.
Break the laws down
via Youtube
“I decided to break the laws down and figured out that if they could take a house, I could take a house, and I got my squatters out in less than a day, and I decided to devote the attention I was getting from my YouTube channel to do something good,” Shelton said.
Squatter law change
via Youtube
“I announced a year ago I was going to fight for squatter law change, and then I opened up Squatter Hunters to help homeowners get rid of their squatters,” he said. “As long as we can absolutely detail out the difference between squatting being criminal and tenant rights being civil, then I think it will make the difference and give the homeowners the balance and support that they deserve,” Shelton said.
New Florida law
via Youtube
Notably, a new Florida law was recently passed that now bans squatting by allowing police to arrest those who can’t prove residence.
Private property
via Youtube
“You are not going to be able to commandeer somebody’s private property and expect to get away with it. We are in the state of Florida ending the squatter scam once and for all,” DeSantis said. Many praised the law as a positive step that may prompt other states to act.
Cases are rising
via Youtube
Meanwhile, squatting cases are rising in New York where laws make it difficult to remove squatters living in a home for over 30 days.
Call police for safety
via Youtube
Shelton advised homeowners encountering squatters to call police for safety and then his group if police can’t intervene further. “Don’t do anything yourself. It’s property — don’t risk your life. Call law enforcement,” Shelton said.
Issue of squatting
via Youtube
The issue of squatting has gained significant attention in the United States, with a recent string of incidents in Georgia, New York, and Washington shining a light on the practice of occupying someone else’s property without their consent. The surge in such cases has sparked a growing dispute between landlords and squatters, presenting complex legal and social challenges.
2 million property
via Youtube
In Washington, a squatter named Sang Kim made headlines after preventing a landlord from possessing his $2 million property due to refusal to pay rent for two years.
Unlawful eviction
via Youtube
Similarly, a New York property owner faced an arrest over unlawful eviction after confronting a group of alleged squatters who had taken over her deceased parents’ home in Flushing, Queens.
Affordable housing
via Youtube
Additionally, a landlord in Atlanta recounted a situation where a group of squatters prevented him from building affordable housing on his land, leading to significant costs for cleaning up the property.
Reclaiming their properties
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The surge in squatting incidents has underscored the complex legal and social implications associated with this practice. Landlords are facing challenges in reclaiming their properties, with legal barriers and moratoriums on evictions exacerbating the situation.
Property rights
via Youtube
Furthermore, the disputes between landlords and squatters are raising concerns about property rights, tenant protections, and the broader impact on the housing market and local communities.
Growing dispute
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The growing dispute between landlords and squatters calls for a comprehensive approach to address the underlying causes and implications. Efforts to strengthen property rights, review tenant protections, and ensure swift and fair resolution of disputes are crucial in mitigating the impact of squatting on property owners and the community at large.
Rights of property owners
via Youtube
Additionally, the development of clear and effective legal frameworks to address squatting-related issues is imperative to uphold the rights of property owners while ensuring due process for occupants.
Impact local communities
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The surge in squatting incidents has the potential to impact local communities and the housing market, leading to financial burdens for property owners, legal complexities, and potential disruptions in housing development initiatives.
Prevent the escalation
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The need to strike a balance between tenant protections and property rights is crucial to prevent the escalation of such disputes and ensure the fair and equitable resolution of squatting-related conflicts.
Rise in squatting
via Youtube
The rise in squatting incidents in America has brought to the forefront a complex and multifaceted challenge that demands attention at legal, social, and community levels.
Continue to unfold
via Youtube
As disputes between landlords and squatters continue to unfold, addressing the underlying issues and establishing effective mechanisms for conflict resolution are essential to navigate the complexities of squatting and safeguard the rights and interests of property owners and the broader community.
