“Squatting” in Sun City?? MCSO explains

(Topic may not interest everyone…just move on to something else, no need to comment.
It’s relevant to have been presented by the MCSO and Sun City Posse and the community members who attended or choose to view the video.)

Maricopa County Sheriff's officers talk "squatting," trespassing, fraud, homeless issues and security at Fry’s in Sun City, Sun City Posse‘s general meeting, Tuesday, May 7th, 2024.

 

I wonder who started this silly rumor? Even the cops are laughing. Evidentially most people didn't buy into this because the snowbirds left anyway.

 

I found the video interesting. I didn't know the 10 year law to be classified a squatter. Glad the authorities are seeing fewer homeless in the Fry's area.

 

I didn't see anyone laughing. I thought the topic was taken seriously, the issues were addressed and explained, attendees were told what steps they should take if someone was on or in their property without permission. Yes, there were light moments. I'm not sure what you meant "most people didn't buy into this because the snowbirds left anyway."

 

As usual media outlets make things seem worse than the actual facts. Somehow "squatters rights" became a thing and social media was up in arms thinking anyone could 'steal' your home. If you notice on the video they kept referring to the issue as trespassing, driving that point home (so to speak). My personal take-a-way from the video (just mine) was they did not view this as a serious threat. I couldn't find where MSCO had spoken on this topic elsewhere. Maybe they did? If you do a quick search the news was all gloom and doom about this early in 2024. What I meant by snowbirds leaving the area was they must not have been too concerned about squatters moving into their vacant home.

 

You're correct - at least here it isn't. I think most part-time residents have taken steps to secure their properties by various means. There are many options.

 

This is the type of news I was referring to. Seriously? Afraid to leave your property for two weeks? Afraid to buy a home because you travel? Sensationalism at its best. We all need to take care and secure our homes as best we can in today's world, not just snowbirds. And not from 'squatters'.

 

Previous video posted by HH:
Bill aimed to stop squatters in AZ heads to governor’s desk
Under the bill, homeowners could submit an affidavit to police and officers can remove the person on property.
More from source:
https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/bill-aimed-to-stop-squatters-in-az-heads-to-governors-desk

Here’s the followup on the bill;
Gov. Hobbs rejects changing how Arizona homeowners can remove squatters
The bill would have allowed law enforcement to immediately remove suspected squatters in Arizona.
Author: Kevin Reagan
April 24, 2024
PHOENIX — Gov. Katie Hobbs has vetoed legislation that would have allowed law enforcement to immediately remove suspected squatters from a residence.

Senate Bill 1129 permitted property owners to request help from law enforcement and to remove someone they say is unlawfully occupying their home. The homeowner would have to fill out a sworn affidavit asserting the occupant is not a current or former tenant.
After receiving the affidavit, police would have to verify its author is the property owner and proceed with removing the unwanted occupant.

#

More from Source:
https://www.12news.com/article/news...tters/75-f96265c3-d56d-4016-adcd-751992bee2f8

 

The Phoenix Police Department has said officers will arrest suspected squatters for trespassing if they can't present any documentation showing they're allowed to live in the residence.

“If the individuals inside the residence have some type of contract for renting the property, the owner would have to do an eviction,” Phoenix Police Sgt. Brian Bower told 12News earlier this year. The eviction process takes more time and would likely cost the homeowner legal fees.

Seems pretty normal if someone has a rental contract the landlord would not be able to kick them out just because. Of course people need to be aware and safeguard their homes while away, but let's not start a full-blown panic mode here. Not a Hobbs fan.

 

It seemed to me that it was fully explained that current AZ laws exist to protect AZ homeowners. It sounded pretty straightforward to me.

 

Kind of what I meant. No clue why EO posted that article. If you dig into links provided really not too much to worry about other than normal home protection measures

 

One of my friends, who is also a snowbird, had a runaway living in their home in northern Idaho this winter, so it does happen.

 

I am sure it does happen, but it does not mean they take over the title to the home. By 'runaway' I am assuming you mean a teenage ish kid who got mad at mom and dad for a while and probably went back home quickly. Cold in Northern Idaho in winter.

 

I don't know anymore of the circumstances. I try to live by something called The Four Agreements. One is, "Don't assume anything" so I am not assuming it was a local runaway. The other Agreements are also important. "Your word should always be Impeccable", "Never take anything personally" and "Always do your best". Good principles for everyone to live by.

 

Janet, I was always told that your word is your bond. I like that more and not because of my career.

 

In a perfect world, however our world is not and neither are people. Would be nice tho.

 

I have had to work on not taking anything personal and not making assumptions, but I have made good progress.

 

Facts and data on squatters in Sun City please.

 

The MCSO officer explained definitions. Sun City often has “trespassing,” where unoccupied owner residences have unwelcome people move in! MCSO requested neighbors be alert and call them to deal with the crime.

Term squatting is complicated and misunderstood. Trespassing & squatting are often incorrectly interchangeable.
Actual example:
Response from SCHOA representative when a resident called in about an incident she previously reported.
They called SCHOA, “ to check up on ‘that squatting situation.”
Representative sighed and said, “Which one?”

 

Not sure if there are any. MSCO did not offer that info. I posted a video above showing sensationalism in the news. IMO somehow this went from people setting up camp in a vacant home, (trespassing), to 'they become deeded owners' while people travel.