Squatters--why is this allowed?

[fedman1]

with recent stories about squatters commandeering “occupied” properties and refusing to leave and declaring “illegal?” ownership, why are localities allowing this law to continue? What happened to property rights. Also, why isn’t trespassing legally enforceable by police? this makes no sense to me

[gnoitall]

Do you have any citations for “recent stories”? Because I’m going to assume that lacking specifics, every incident has a different set of circumstances and the responses would obviously vary accordingly.

[Mighty_Mouse]

Which “law” are you talking about?

[LSLGuy]

You might start by reading up on the underlying principles of law:

Adverse possession

And this:

Squatting

Armed with some history and knowledge, you can formulate a less loaded and less emotional question for discussion.

[fedman1]

forgot to add isn’t this a ‘taking of property’?

[kenobi_65]

@fedman1

forgot to add isn’t this a ‘taking of property’

…and forgot to add cites or examples of:

@fedman1

recent stories about squatters commandeering “occupied” properties and refusing to leave and declaring “illegal?” ownership

[fedman1]

This abandoned mansion is also owned by John Powers Middleton, film producer and son of Philadelphia Phillies owner John S. Middleton

Published September 24, 2024 5:06pm EDT

[fedman1]

but my original question is why did states create law that allows someone to take your personal property without compensation?

[needscoffee]

In the case you didn’t bother to link to, the owner had abandoned the property and refused to deal with it. So it doesn’t fit your OP.

Two abandoned mansions owned by a Hollywood producer are covered in graffiti

[kenobi_65]

1. You’ve been here long enough to know how to put actual links to web sites in your posts.
2. Can you give some actual examples of these laws which you believe exist?

@fedman1

why did states create law that allows someone to take your personal property without compensation?

[fedman1]

I believe LSL answered that, and there are regular stories online I didn’t feel I needed to cite every one

[kenobi_65]

@needscoffee

In the case you didn’t bother to link to, the owner had abandoned the property and refused to deal with it. So it doesn’t fit your OP.

Quoting from the article to which @needscoffee has linked:

It’s so bad that Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who represents the area, has warned Middleton that he’s in “egregious violation of the law,” and both the police department and building inspectors have visited the properties.

“This is a public safety issue with serious consequences for both neighbors and the surrounding community,” Raman’s office said in a statement to NBC Los Angeles. “Irresponsible property owners must take accountability for their property or face action from the city.”

NBCLA reported that Middleton bought the four-story, six-bedroom mansion with a pool in 2012. A decade later, the city’s Department of Building and Safety declared it a nuisance and ordered Middleton to build a fence to secure the property.

When he didn’t, the city erected chain-link fencing around the structure, NBCLA reported.

So, yeah, this is not a case of "squatters moved onto my property, and the law is keeping me from being able to evict them!’ This is “I own property that I’ve left neglected and abandoned, and have refused to act in accord with govermental directives to take care of them.”

[Chronos]

You don’t need to cite every one. You do, however, need to cite at least something. “There are so many examples that I can’t name any at all” has never been a valid argument.

[kenobi_65]

@fedman1

I believe LSL answered that, and there are regular stories online I didn’t feel I needed to cite every one

You are the one who started this thread, and has made statements that you refuse to back up with examples.

If you expect other posters to actually engage in conversation and debate with you, but also make them do all the legwork, you’re either being lazy or disingenuous.

[needscoffee]

The answers to your questions are in @LSLGuy’s link to Adverse Possession.

[fedman1]

but regardless of examples (I concede my example was flawed, I only picked most recent one) my point is I wanted someone to justify why states allow someone to occupy my property

[Dr.Drake]

They don’t. Can you give an example of a case where this happens?

[LSLGuy]

Besides, I did not answer any of the OP’s questions. I provided information that they could use to educate themselves on what is in fact a centuries old bit of law. That serves a completely valid purpose.

I now think the thread belongs in the Pit as a mere rant. I doubt it can be re-stated and re-railed as a good faith debate.

[What_Exit]

Moderating:

As this thread is a mess and far from a well frame debate I will close it.

If @fedman1 wants this reopened in the The BBQ Pit, please let the Moderators know and we’ll move it and reopen it. Otherwise, when you start a thread, especially in Great Debates, provide links and cites in your Op.