I agree. I remember there was an old expression that wasn't close to being accurate, but is sometimes relevant: Possession is 9/10s of the law. I have had a few instances over the years where a landlord would let a tenant rent a place in a bad neighborhood for close to nothing. The signed lease protected the landlord and the tenant ensured that squatters didn't destroy the place. Obviously this is unusual, and involves a large degree of trust.
this territory is moderated
In situations where the owner gets arrested for "wrongful eviction", despite the squatter having no evidence of being a tenant, how are the police justifying having probable cause to make that arrest?
Do they not have to or is simply being in possession of the property enough evidence of tenancy?
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I don't know. One thing I can tell you is it matters a whole lot where you are. Staten Island outcomes will be far different than the Bronx. On Long Island landlords will be given the benefit of the doubt.
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