Nassau Standard

Mikulin: ‘Squatters’ Need to be Excluded from the Legal Definition of A ‘Tenant’ to Protect New York Homeowners Like Nadia Vitels

Mar 27 2024

"New York homeowners like Nadia Vitels have fallen victim to squatters. Squatters victimize homeowners who just want to live peacefully on their property." Mikulin expressed concern over the impact of squatters on homeowners, emphasizing the need for protection against such unlawful occupants.

"Property owners face financial ruin when being ousted by the unlawful occupancy of another," Mikulin stated, highlighting the financial risks and challenges homeowners may encounter due to squatters occupying their properties.

"A squatter is not synonymous with a tenant and should not be under New York state law," Mikulin asserted, advocating for a clear distinction between squatters and tenants within the legal framework.

"Therefore, I fully support Assembly Bill A.6894 to redefine the term ‘tenant’ to exclude squatters and restore common-sense property laws to our state’s legal system," Mikulin concluded, endorsing legislative action to address the issue and protect homeowners from the negative consequences of squatting.