Jul. 11, 2024
Establishing Clear Guidelines for Handling Squatters in Pennsylvania
News outlets from across the country are reporting about homeowners and property owners who suddenly have someone living on their property, claiming to be a tenant and refusing to leave. This is a practice known as squatting, and there have been multiple, high-profile incidents in the last couple of months.
Surprisingly, there is no standard approach to dealing with squatters across different states, leading to confusion and inconsistencies that leave both property owners and law enforcement in a difficult position. To address this growing problem, the House and Senate have advanced legislation, which I support, aimed at codifying Pennsylvania case law to establish more certainty for landlords, law enforcement and homeowners who encounter squatters.
Consider the situation in New York, where any occupant who has been in possession of a premises for 30 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. This process is not only time-consuming and costly for homeowners but also places an undue burden on the judicial system.
Contrast this with Pennsylvania, where individuals are considered trespassers once the landowner warns them 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 are considered trespassers. This approach provides a more effective mechanism for homeowners to reclaim their properties quickly and without legal hurdles.
However, there are grey areas that can complicate the process. The lack of a unified legal framework means that responses to squatting can vary significantly, creating uncertainty for both property owners and law enforcement. This inconsistency makes certain the need for legislation that clearly defines the legal status of squatters and standardizes the process for removing them from residential properties.
Senate Bill 1236, which passed the General Assembly and now awaits Gov. Josh Shapiro’s signature to become law, would aim to address these inconsistencies by codifying existing case law into a comprehensive legal framework. This would provide clarity and certainty, ensuring that homeowners can protect their properties without facing undue legal challenges and that law enforcement has clear guidelines to follow when addressing squatting incidents.
In addition, this legislation is not just about protecting property rights; it is about maintaining the integrity and security of our communities. Squatting can lead to a host of problems, including property damage, loss of rental income for landlords and decreased property values for surrounding homes. By establishing clear guidelines, we can mitigate these negative impacts and foster a safer and more stable environment for all residents.
This is good, commonsense legislation. We can now ensure property owners are better protected and squatters are dealt with in a fair and timely matter. The time has come to bring clarity and consistency to our legal approach to squatting, providing peace of mind to homeowners and strengthening the fabric of our communities.
Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.
Fair Scheduled for July 27 – Be certain to mark your calendar for my Community Health, Wellness and Career Fair, being held on Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Knead Café, Banquet on Barnes, 1011 Barnes St. in New Kensington. This free event is available to residents throughout the 55th District. Meet the organizations that serve our neighborhoods! There will also be a prize raffle and live bloodhound demonstration.
Legal Summit Planned for Aug. 9 – I will be partnering with Summit Legal Aid for a free legal summit where you can learn about your rights and participate in an afternoon of community fun. It is taking place on Friday, Aug. 9, from 1-4 p.m. at Valley Points Family YMCA, located on 800 Constitution Blvd. in New Kensington. New Kensington and Westmoreland County residents are welcome to attend. Pre-registration is encouraged for food planning, but not required. You can register by visiting
summitlegal.org/new-kensington-summer-summit/. All attendees will be entered for a free basket raffle.
Veterans Appreciation Breakfast for Oct. 9 – As a way to thank those who sacrificed so much to protect our country, I will be hosting a veterans appreciation breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9–11 a.m. at the Lamplighter Restaurant, located at 6566 William Penn Highway in Delmont. This event is open to veterans who reside in the 55th Legislative District, who can bring one guest to accompany them. To register, call the New Kensington office at 724-472-4102.
Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: 717.260.6396
RepJillCooper.com /
Facebook.com/RepJillCooper