In New York State, someone who has been able to successfully - and illegally - occupy a property for 30 days or more is entitled to what is called “Squatter’s Rights.” Once an individual has been able to meet that threshold, the property owner must commence legal action to remove them.

The news has been filled recently with stories of property owners who returned to their home after an extended time away - for vacation or perhaps a health-related absence - to find someone living in their home. Channel 7 recently aired a story of a woman who returned home to find squatters living there and was herself arrested after trying to evict them. Loopholes or not, these things can occur outside of New York City. There are many snowbirds living in upstate New York, who winter in warmer climates. Imagine returning home to discover your home is no longer your home.

One of the last-minute changes to the New York State budget that was finally adopted on Saturday is meant to protect property owners against squatters. The change is in the definition of the word “tenant” in the law to exclude squatters. Lawmakers say this will make it easier for police to intervene in cases where someone enters a home or property without permission or legal paperwork and refuses to leave. It also extends the time period for tenancy rights to take effect, from 30 to 45 days.

These changes will help, but further protection and stiffer penalties for those who trespass would also help.

And a word to the wise for anyone planning to be away from home for an extended period of time: find someone trustworthy to keep an eye on the house for you, someone who you trust with the key and the alarm codes and who can water the plants. Your home should never look like it’s unoccupied.