In California, the presence of squatters occupying someone else’s property has become a vexing issue exacerbated by complex legal procedures and law enforcement policies. Squatting, defined under California Penal Code 602 as trespassing, poses challenges for property owners seeking to reclaim their property. Despite the criminal nature of trespassing, law enforcement in states governed by leftist policies often categorize disputes involving squatters as civil matters, complicating the enforcement of Penal Code 602. This classification frequently leads to police declining to intervene, citing policies that prioritize civil litigation over immediate criminal action.
For property owners facing this predicament, the path to removing squatters is arduous and traditionally involved filing an unlawful detainer through civil courts. Unlike traditional landlord-tenant disputes where a rental agreement governs the relationship, removing squatters requires demonstrating illegal entry and possession without consent. This distinction can make the process even more challenging and time-consuming, often leaving property owners frustrated by the lack of immediate legal recourse. This harsh reality underscores the need for unique solutions to protect owners rights and expedite the removal of squatters (UO) in California.