What is anti-squatting law?

Squatters break into abandoned properties for the purposes of inhabiting them. There are multiple reasons to have anti-squatting laws. For starters, they are trespassing on someone else's property - and trespassers bring liability concerns. For another, some abandoned properties are poorly maintained and pose a risk of injury or fire. Most abandoned properties do not have running water or electricity - this poses not only a health hazard to the squatters but also a fire hazard to the squatters and residents of surrounding properties. One would think that laws against trespass and breaking/entering would suffice. Anti-squatting laws simply clarify that squatters are engaging in criminal behavior.  more