Here’s what to know about New York’s anti-squatter law

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Opportunistic squatters have long been a worry for New York property owners, but a portion of the 2024 state budget promises to change that, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday.

“As part of the historic actions to address the housing crisis in the [fiscal year] 2025 budget, Governor Hochul reached an agreement to reinforce existing law to make clear that squatters are not tenants, supporting property owners statewide,” a Hochul spokesperson said.

Bipartisan support of changing squatters’ rights grew around the state, including on Staten Island where State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-North Shore/Southern Brooklyn) and Assemblyman Michael Tannousis (R-East Shore/South Brooklyn) pushed for new rules.

“For too long, my constituents have grappled with the current reality where individuals unlawfully occupy their spaces without any recourse. We witness distressing scenarios unfold in the news week after week — hardworking homeowners facing legal repercussions for rightfully reclaiming their own property from individuals who brazenly occupy it without consent,” Scarcella-Spanton said. “No one should return home to find their property seized by squatters, who now have more rights to their property than they do.”

Scarcella-Spanton introduced legislation earlier this year that contained squatter-defining language similar to what was included in the state budget. Previously, there was limited legal distinction between tenants and squatters.

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