New York City Council Member Susan Zhuang of the 43rd District in Brooklyn announced on the 16th that she has introduced a new bill, “Intro. 907,” which calls for city agencies such as the NYPD and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development to track and report on cases of squatters citywide. Presently, the act of squatting, classified as a civil violation, goes unrecorded and unreported, lacking differentiation from other rental cases, thereby hindering enforcement.
Zhuang emphasized the necessity of data to effectively address the issue of squatters in New York City. She stated, “The first step in addressing the issue of squatting is by documenting and disclosing the data on these incidents. My proposal will require city agencies such as the NYPD, HPD, and 311 to publicly report data on unauthorized occupancy incidents. This data will include property addresses, neighborhoods, council districts, duration of squatting events, and the circumstances triggering the issue. This legislation holds significant importance in enhancing public safety, safeguarding homeowners, tenants, and the collective interests of New Yorkers.”
Currently, property owners struggle to obtain records and reports when dealing with squatter situations. The lack of information leaves victims and stakeholders feeling helpless and without recourse. Zhuang believes that if the bill passes, this situation will ultimately change.
Council Member Kevin Riley of the 12th District, along with over a dozen council members including both majority and minority party leaders, jointly co-sponsored this bill, garnering support from both parties.
Riley expressed, “Currently, the city does not track the locations and circumstances of these incidents, leaving homeowners disconnected from potential resources and fighting their battles in court alone. Through this legislative proposal, we must understand these situations so that the city can respond appropriately and provide avenues for these homeowners to reclaim their properties.”
In Dyker Heights on 67th Street in Brooklyn, a standalone house was occupied by squatters, and a fire erupted inside the residence. Neighbors called the police, but under current laws, the authorities were unable to intervene.
Zhuang also mentioned that she will soon present another resolution at the City Council, urging other council members to support State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton’s new bill. This bill seeks to define who qualifies as a squatter, extend the timeframe required for lawful tenants from 30 days to 60 days, and categorize squatting as criminal trespass.
Zhuang affirmed, “Squatting should be treated as a criminal offense, not just a civil matter. This is not a landlord-tenant issue; they should not be seen as tenants as they lack a lease and have no right to reside there.”
New York City recently witnessed a surge in squatting incidents, prompting widespread concern. On April 22nd, Governor Hochu signed the new fiscal year budget for New York State, which included an amendment excluding “squatters” from the definition of “tenants.” Henceforth, when property owners encounter unauthorized occupants without a lease, they can directly call the police for intervention to evict them without the need to pursue a court-ordered eviction through housing court.