New Jersey Senators Propose Legislation to Criminalize Squatting
TRENTON, NJ – Senators Doug Steinhardt (R-23) and Michael Testa (R-1) have urged the New Jersey Legislature to pass a bill that would make squatting in a property a criminal offense. This initiative aims to empower property owners with the ability to evict squatters without unnecessary delays.
Currently, squatting is treated as a civil issue in New Jersey, requiring property owners to undergo lengthy eviction processes. The proposed bill, S-725, would classify housebreaking, unlawful occupancy, and unlawful reentry as fourth-degree criminal offenses.
Housebreaking is defined as forcibly entering an uninhabited dwelling without the owner’s permission with the intent to reside there. Unlawful occupancy refers to residing in a dwelling without the owner’s consent, and unlawful reentry is reentering a property after being evicted by court order without permission.
The bill seeks to address the exploitation of legal loopholes by individuals, including undocumented immigrants, to unlawfully occupy homes. By criminalizing these actions, the legislation aims to protect homeowners and communities from the repercussions of squatting.
In addition to S-725, Senator Steinhardt is working on another bill to streamline the eviction process for squatters, making them liable for damages, legal fees, and costs. This would allow property owners to file for a rapid 72-hour eviction process, bypassing traditional landlord-tenant courts under certain conditions.
These legislative efforts underscore the challenges faced by homeowners in reclaiming their properties from squatters and the need for legal reforms to address these issues effectively.