squatter

A squatter is a person who occupies an abandoned, unoccupied, or otherwise unused property or land without the owner's permission. Squatting has occurred in urban and rural settings around the world and can involve residences, commercial buildings, or land used for housing or protest.

Legal status and rights vary widely by jurisdiction. In many places, squatting is treated as illegal trespass and can lead to eviction, fines, or arrest. Some systems provide pathways for long-term occupants to acquire rights through mechanisms like adverse possession, but such outcomes require strict legal conditions, such as open and continuous possession for a substantial period, and often other requirements that vary by country or region.

Enforcement, remedies, and consequences differ for property owners and squatters. Owners may pursue civil actions for trespass or rely on criminal penalties where available. Police involvement depends on local law and policy. Societal responses range from eviction and property protection measures to housing programs or legal reforms intended to address underlying housing affordability and homelessness issues.

Squatting is often linked to broader issues of urban housing, homelessness, and social activism. Discussions about squatting typically emphasize safety, legality, property rights, and the balance between protecting property and addressing unmet housing needs.