At the last Stated Meeting of the New York City Council on July 18, Councilmember Sandra Ung (D-Flushing) and Minority Leader Joseph Borelli (R-Staten Island) introduced bipartisan legislation requiring the NYPD to create a home vacancy program to protect property owners and their tenants from squatters who illegally occupy homes and claim legal residency. 

The program would include a registry for homeowners or tenants to provide notice to the NYPD that their dwelling will be vacant for 21 days or more. The notice will include the date the vacancy begins, when it is expected to end (if applicable), and contact information for both the person providing the notice and the dwelling owner.  

Intro 997 comes in the wake of several cases involving New York City homeowners who discovered people living in their vacant properties. Due to lenient state laws, removing the squatters requires a legal action in housing court, an often lengthy and expensive process for the owners, during which time the squatters are allowed to remain in the properties.

“Instead of simply evicting these illegal occupants, property owners are compelled to pursue a case in housing court, during which the squatters are allowed to remain in the homes,” said Councilmember Sandra Ung. “This not only places an undue burden on homeowners, but also undermines their fundamental property rights. This new registry will provide legal protection from squatters, preempting any claims that they are legally occupying the property and eliminating the need for owners to engage in protracted legal proceedings, as well as giving them peace of mind when they are away from their properties. This legislation is not just about property rights; it is about justice and fairness for homeowners. I want to thank my co-sponsor, Minority Leader Borelli, who understands that whether you are a Democrat or Republican, Conservative or Progressive, the right to secure and retain your property is paramount.”