squatters

Squatters are individuals who occupy an unoccupied or abandoned building or land without the owner's permission. Squatting may involve residential space, storefronts, or vacant lots and can be short-term or long-lasting. In some cases, squatters establish a community or use the space for housing, art, or social projects, while in others it is pursued as a form of protest or as a response to housing shortages.

Legal responses vary widely by country and jurisdiction. In many places, squatting is treated as illegal trespass and squatters can be removed by authorities through eviction. Some jurisdictions also have criminal penalties or civil actions against occupants. Conversely, some legal systems offer a path to rights after a period of continuous, open, and exclusive possession, commonly known as adverse possession or squatter's rights. If such conditions are met and recognized by the courts or registries, occupants may obtain ownership or long-term occupancy rights, subject to local requirements such as payment of taxes and adherence to property laws.

Impact and policy responses vary. For property owners, squatters can trigger maintenance costs, liability concerns, and potential damage; for communities, squatters may contribute to revitalization of neglected spaces or raise safety concerns, depending on context. Municipal and national policies may pursue eviction, criminal enforcement, housing-first strategies, or programs to convert vacant properties into affordable or temporary housing. The topic remains contested, balancing property rights with housing needs and urban sustainability.