Photo courtesy of Assemblymember Carl DeMaio

NORTHEN CALIFORNIA (MPG) - CA Assemblyman Carl DeMaio has authored he “Remove Illegal Squatters from Private Property Act” (AB 897) to address California’s current unwillingness to uphold private property rights by removing squatters who illegally take possession of property that is not theirs.

Due to its notoriously anti-landlord laws, the state of California has one of the worst squatter problems of any state in the nation. California property owners are forced to go through the courts to obtain an eviction – a process that is long and costly and often results in further damages to the property.

DeMaio provides the following statement explaining the importance of passing AB 897:

“California is a Squatters Paradise because liberal politicians have enacted so many anti-property rights laws that it is virtually impossible to remove squatters from any property they illegally seize. Let’s be clear about it: squatters are committing crimes against law-abiding property owners and we must put an end to their costly scams. AB 897 would put an end to squatters preying on property owners by changing California state law to make it easier for rightful owners to remove squatters from their property without long and costly court delays.”

KEY PROVISIONS OF AB 897:

• Defines Unlawful Squatting: A person is guilty of unlawful squatting when they enter upon the land or premises of another and reside on that land or premises for any period of time, knowingly acting without the knowledge or consent of the owner, rightful occupant, or an authorized representative of the owner.
• Creates Arrest Process for Unlawful Squatters: Property owners will be able to report a unlawful squatter, and if documentation is not provided by the squatter, then they will be arrested and subject to fines and a misdemeanor.
• Requires Certification of Documentation: If documentation is provided, a magistrate court will determine if the documentation is valid. If it is not, the squatter will be removed and arrested, and subject to fines including back rent and covering damage.

California State Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (R-San Diego) is a member of the California State Assembly representing District 75 which includes the communities of Fallbrook, Bonsall, Valley Center, Ramona, Poway, Scripps Ranch, Santee, Lakeside, Alpine, Julian, Borrego Springs, Pala, Jamul, Pine Valley, Pauma Valley, and Bonita.