A squatter is an individual who takes up residence in a building or on a piece of land without the legal permission of the property owner. In some cases, squatters may gain legal ownership of the property through the process of adverse possession, which is when a squatter meets certain requirements and presents their case in court. However, New Jersey has strict adverse possession laws that require a squatter to have possessed the property for 30 years.
It is vital for landlords to distinguish between authorized tenants and unauthorized occupants, such as squatters, to properly address the situation. In the event of a squatter, landlords should not engage in self-help such as forcibly removing.
Landlords can also protect their property from squatters by:
- Visiting and inspecting the property regularly
- Maintaining a regular maintenance schedule
- Clearly marked property boundaries
- Secure premises
- Contact Landlord-Tenant Attorney as soon as a squatter is identified
Time is of the essence when dealing with squatters. Allowing a squatter to remain on the property can lead to complications. The squatter could potentially attempt to claim a Landlord-Tenant relationship. Such claims can make it more challenging to remove the squatter. Immediate action helps ensure a clear distinction between squatting and tenancy.
Preserve your rights and interests as a property owner – Contact UBFK Law today to keep squatters out!