OUR MISSION
The Alliance for Safe Neighborhoods is committed to upholding the safety and property rights of North Carolinians as the scourge of illegal squatters sweeps across the country.
Outdated government policies leave the door open for squatters and delinquent occupants, posing a significant threat to every homeowner, property owner, and community across our state.
Our mission is simple: Advocate for laws and policies that protect rightful residents, promote neighborhood well-being, and ensure secure, fair housing for all.
HOW SQUATTERS ARE EXPLOITING A BROKEN SYSTEM:
Squatters frequently occupy vacant homes under false pretenses and then refuse to leave, often falsely claiming to be legal residents. Law enforcement is stuck in the middle, unable to tell who has a right to be in the home and deferring action, which forces homeowners to use the court system for removal.
In North Carolina, weak eviction laws and backlogged court systems mean that cases can take more than a year during which squatters are allowed to abuse legal protections intended for legitimate residents to live free in someone else’s home. Not only does this leads to costly and lengthy legal disputes that drive up costs for landlords and their law-abiding residents, but it also further incentivizes would be squatting.
Reforming the eviction process and updating laws are necessary to prevent further abuses, address the problem at its root cause, and ensure that property owners can swiftly and justly regain control of their homes. Such measures are essential to restoring the integrity of a system designed to protect both landlords and legitimate tenants.
HOW SQUATTERS IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY
Increase in Crime
Illicit neighbors bring illicit activities and, in many cases, illegally occupied homes serve as a safe haven or base for other crimes like drug dealing and human trafficking. Squatters also evade basic background checks intended to keep neighborhoods and communities safe and free of potentially violent criminals next door.
Lower Property Values
Squatters often have no obligations to the community they have decided to occupy. As a result, maintaining community standards is the last thing on their list of priorities. Combined with the increase in crime rates, the presence of squatters often can make communities less desirable, further decreasing home values. Even worse, if a residence becomes a victim of a squatting attempt, the squatter's disrespect often results in considerable property damage for which the owner is on the hook.
Disruption of Community Stability
When a family decides to move into a neighborhood, they seek safety and community. When squatters take up residence, however, much of the promised neighborly atmosphere is thrown out the door as families and residents are forced to deal with these criminals. What once might have been an active and friendly neighborhood can quickly turn desolate with the presence of unlawful residents.
Increased Rent for Law-Abiding Tenants
Fraud related damages can cost tens of thousands of dollars per incident, contributing to higher rents and exacerbating the affordable housing crisis. Small landlords, often providing the bulk of affordable rentals, are disproportionately affected.
WHAT CAN BE DONE:
The Alliance for Safe Neighborhoods is dedicated to advocating for tougher restrictions on squatters. To truly address the problem, the North Carolina Legislature must pass ironclad legislation that allows for the immediate removal of squatters and unlawful occupants. This addresses the root case of the issue: the state’s broken eviction process.
By passing legislation that empowers property owners, we empower communities and eliminate squatters' rights. Policymakers must send a clear message to any would-be squatters … they ARE NOT WELCOME in North Carolina!
Without concrete help from our elected officials, we leave the fate of our communities to chance.
