Adverse Possession and the Undoing of Property Rights

Perhaps the most nefarious squatter type is the so-called “serial squatter.” These people will move from house to house following their inevitable evictions, targeting older adults or people looking for roommates. These squatters will specifically target people who don’t know their dubious rental history. In nearly all cases, these people were earnestly looking for help to pay rent or a mortgage, and due to either being naive or not wanting to run a background check, they fell victim to these squatters. What makes this type of squatter the worst type? They know how to twist and contort aid programs from the states or the federal government (or both) for financial gain because the funds go into their pocket instead of the rent the money was earmarked for. These serial squatters learn from their frequent eviction hearings how to manipulate these hearings, dragging the process on longer. And, on a few perverse occasions, they win their eviction case. And yes, here is the mandatory mention of COVID. The COVID hysteria and the federal and state money for housing that poured in after only served to worsen the squatting issue in parts of the country. As expected, the serial squatters took note and exploited the issue.

Take the case of Jaskaran Singh, an Indian immigrant, and recent U.S. citizen who, despite winning not one but three eviction cases against the squatter residing in his home, has yet to receive a dime of the money that the squatter has received in federal and state funds for rent. So not only is this squatter not paying rent, but he is also making money from it. Thanks in part to housing aid groups that lack accountability and oversight. So, Mr. Singh is left holding the bag for a house he has yet to live in and still has to pay taxes on.

All this leads me back to my point: this illegal immigrant “influencer” has shined a spotlight on a loophole in our legal system and could very well lead to another in a long list of crises that stem from our open borders. However, states are getting out in front of any more potential issues.

Florida, for example, just passed legislation making it easier for homeowners to remove squatters. HB 621 states:

“Authorizes property owners or authorized agents to request assistance from the sheriff for immediately removing unauthorized occupants from the residential dwelling under certain conditions; requires specified complaint; provides requirements for sheriff; authorizes arrest of unauthorized occupant; provides that sheriff is not liable to any party for loss, destruction, or damage; provides that property owner or agent is not liable to any party for loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal property unless it was wrongfully removed; prohibits unlawfully detaining, or occupying or trespassing upon, residential dwelling intentionally & causing at least specified amount of damage; provides criminal penalties for any person who knowingly & willfully presents false document purporting to be valid lease agreement, deed, or other instrument conveying real property rights; prohibits listing or advertising for sale, or renting or leasing, residential real property.”