The Craziness of “Squatting”
I’m struggling with the thought of coming home and not being able access/use my own home. Where my things are. Where my kids sleep. Where I find my greatest peace.
There is a national epidemic of “squatting.” Somehow, it is acceptable to enter a premise that is not yours (owned or leased) and inhabit it. While there are few examples of scams or fraud where people enter into a non-existent lease, it appears that all too many of these situations are not that—more likely someone just breaks in and occupies.
The trouble/problem/challenge is not only honesty and honor, but the law. To protect legitimate renters, states and municipalities passed laws that rightfully disallow a legal owner from randomly displacing a legal tenant. This makes it civil, not criminal (court, not police). Thus, no arrests….but to adjudicate the dispute, a court review is rightfully required…but as Mom wisely says, “that is not this.”
Using these legal protections incorrectly, the squatters are gaming the system to retain their illegal place of living…with little to no immediate recourse for the rightful owner. How is it possible to come home, find someone in YOUR house, and no one can get them out?
While some states and municipalities are adjusting to allow police to intervene more quickly, it is not soon enough. Several government executives (governors, mayors, etc.) have vetoed laws making “taking over” someone’s home a crime…for unknown or crazy reasons.
While the scales of justice should be as balanced as possible, there should never be a moment (minus appropriate legal rationale) where the access, enjoyment, and safety of MY home (or anyone’s) is compromised and/removed from MY possession. That is not just a loss of use, but a dagger to some of the basics of civil righteousness…a loss of faith in the system/society as well as permanent injury to feeling safe.
