The problem of squatters in Philadelphia has become a nightmare for homeowners and landlords. They face drawn-out and costly legal battles to remove squatters, and in many cases, the police do not seem to care about resolving the issue.
In Philadelphia, it can cost homeowners upwards of $3,500 to begin the court process to remove squatters from a residence, and another $1,600 to actually move them out and store their belongings for a month. This process can take almost a year to get resolved, making it an expensive and time-consuming process.
Despite the council passing an ordinance several years ago to speed up the process for removing alleged squatters from residential property, the police refuse to investigate squatting accusations and file affidavits for arrest or search warrants.
