HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Senate recently passed Senate Bill 1236 to assist homeowners, law enforcement, and landlords dealing with squatters.

Currently, under Pennsylvania law, squatters are considered trespassers once they are warned by the property owner to vacate the premises. But reclaiming property from squatters can be a burdensome process, often involving legal formalities and emotional strain for property owners, said PA Sen. Lisa Baker (R, 20). 

She said the bill would create more certainty for property owners by clearly defining what “tenant” mean, and removing the requirement for a “notice to quit” to be provided to a non-tenant.

Baker said the bill offers a practical solution to ensure that homes are not unlawfully occupied.