WASHINGTON D.C.- Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17) has introduced the Protecting Homeowners from Squatters Act, legislation aimed at discouraging municipalities from adopting policies that provide legal protections for individuals unlawfully occupying private property.

The bill would define squatting as entering and living in a property without the owner’s permission, without paying rent, and without a rental agreement for more than 14 consecutive days.  Under the proposal, municipalities that allow squatters to gain tenant-like protections could lose access to federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.

The legislation would also prohibit federal mortgage support, including programs backed by the FHA, VA, USDA, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency, for properties located in jurisdictions that permit squatting.

“Homeowners and small landlords deserve clear, enforceable protections and the ability to recover their property without unnecessary delays or burdensome litigation,” Lawler said.  “This legislation ensures that federal taxpayer dollars are not incentivizing or subsidizing squatting.”

If enacted, the bill would require the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to issue regulations implementing the policy within 90 days.