A Philadelphia homeowner was forced to pay a squatter $1,200 to vacate his property after receiving no help from the police or the city. Chris Harte, the owner, expressed his disbelief at the situation, stating that the city is essentially rewarding criminals. Harte’s ordeal began in December when he was in the process of selling an investment property he had renovated in northwest Philadelphia. However, he received a call from someone living nearby who reported seeing people moving into the house and removing the “for sale” sign.
Upon contacting the police, Harte was informed that the individuals claimed to be renting the property, leaving the police unable to take any action. The following day, Harte, his real estate agent, and a locksmith met with the police at the house, but were met with similar frustrations. The squatters had acquired rights to the property under squatters’ rights laws, and Harte was advised to file a landlord-tenant complaint. However, the eviction process could take up to a year and cost over $300.
Philadelphia Police, when asked about the incident, stated that the property owner was informed about a tenant and landlord issue, but no arrests were made. Real estate agent Bob Cervone, who was present during the encounter, stated that similar incidents are reported to the police on a daily basis. A few days later, the squatters contacted Cervone and offered to leave the property if Harte paid them $2,000. After negotiation, Harte agreed to pay them $1,200, and the squatters left the premises.
The incident cost Harte approximately $2,000 and caused immense stress over the holiday season. He felt compelled to visit the property frequently to ensure its security. Philadelphia has long struggled with the issue of squatters, with two ordinances passed in recent years attempting to address the problem. However, homeowners claim that these measures have not been effective.
The situation in Philadelphia is not unique, as homeowners across the country have faced legal battles to reclaim their properties from squatters. In 2018, Philadelphia passed an ordinance to simplify the removal of squatters, but it was later replaced by a bill that reduced protections for homeowners. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, who recently took office, has not specified whether she plans to address the issue of squatting as part of her initiatives.
Harte, who does not align strongly with any political party, believes that the political climate in Philadelphia, a Democratic-run city, contributes to the rise in crime. He feels that the policies of current politicians are detrimental to the city and others across America. Harte emphasizes the need for different leadership to improve the safety and appearance of cities.
In conclusion, the story of a Philadelphia homeowner paying a squatter to regain possession of his house highlights the challenges faced by homeowners dealing with squatters. Despite efforts by the city to address the issue, homeowners feel unsupported and frustrated. The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of current policies and the impact of political leadership on crime rates.
