By Cait Crudden
In response to a growing crisis of squatting in New York, State Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) and Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station) have joined forces to tackle the issue head-on. With reports of unlawful occupancy on the rise in neighborhoods across the state, Mattera and Flood are spearheading legislative efforts to address the root causes of squatting and protect the rights of property owners.
Squatting, the act of occupying an abandoned or unoccupied property without the owner’s permission, has become a pervasive problem in many communities throughout New York. From vacant homes and commercial buildings to unused land, squatters have been taking advantage of loopholes in the law to stake their claim on properties, often leaving property owners powerless to reclaim their assets.
“For many, owning a home is the American Dream, but for too many, this dream is turning into a nightmare due to the squatting epidemic. This legislative package is designed to ensure families can not only own but also protect their homes,” stated Senator Mattera. The aggressive measures I’ve introduced aim to safeguard homeowners by facilitating the swift removal of squatters and equipping the police with the necessary tools to assist victims, thereby restoring power to residents compromised by our current broken system.”
Senator Mattera and Assemblyman Flood have made combating squatting a top priority of their legislative agenda. Recognizing the devastating impact that squatting can have on property owners, neighborhoods, and communities, Mattera and Flood have introduced a comprehensive bill, modeled after one from Florida that Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law recently, which aims at strengthening protections and closing legal loopholes.
“I am inspired and motivated by Senator Mattera’s aggressive stance against squatters through his proposed legislation. His commitment to protecting property rights and ensuring the safety of our communities resonated deeply with my values.” stated Assemblyman Flood, co-sponsor of the bill.
One of the key proposals put forth by Mattera and Flood is legislation to streamline the process for property owners to reclaim their properties from squatters. This includes measures to expedite eviction proceedings by empowering law enforcement to immediately evict individuals from residential properties swiftly, based on a homeowner’s sworn complaint and without court involvement of any kind. This gives power back to property owners and provides them with the tools they need to reclaim their properties swiftly and efficiently. Through these measures Mattera and Flood hope to deter would-be squatters and protect the rights of law-abiding citizens.
To balance the aggressive stance, the legislation includes substantial civil protections for individuals wrongfully removed, including potential triple damages, restoration of possession, and attorney fees for the aggrieved party.
“While protections are necessary against malicious actions, it’s crucial that we decisively protect our legal homeowners who have suffered due to the current broken system,” declared Senator Mattera.
The collaborative efforts of Senator Mattera and Assemblyman Flood have garnered support from lawmakers, advocacy groups, and stakeholders across the state.
“As a lawyer, father and small business owner in the heart of New York, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts that lenient squatting laws can have on our homeowners and communities,” stated Assemblyman Flood. By sponsoring this legislation, Senator Mattera and Assemblyman Flood aim to prevent squatting and promote stable, sustainable communities.
As Mattera and Flood’s legislative proposals move forward for consideration in the New York State Senate and Assembly, stakeholders and residents alike are hopeful that decisive action will be taken to address the squatting epidemic and restore security and stability to neighborhoods across the state.
“It is time for us to stand united in defending the rights of property owners and in pushing back against policies that do more to protect the violator than the victim. It’s time to rebuild a New York that prioritizes the well-being and prosperity of its people above all,” said Flood.
With legislation like this, Senator Mattera and Assemblyman Flood are united in leading the charge to make New York a safer and more secure place for all.
