South Queens, NY – New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato and Queens County District Attorney (DA) Melinda Katz will host a Homeowner Deed Protection Webinar (LINK TO PDF) on Monday, August 26 at 6pm. The webinar will outline and teach homeowners about how to protect their property from deed theft, along with updates on the impactful changes in the State law that strip squatters of any housing protections.

Recently, Pheffer Amato successfully worked with the NYPD to remove a squatter in Howard Beach after residents became suspicious of a woman living in a vacant home. The woman was arrested and criminal charges were filed by DA Katz. In the 2024 State Budget, Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato changed the State law to strip squatters of any perceived protections and clarify that squatters do not have any tenant rights. The change was designed to make it easier for law enforcement to remove squatters and for DAs to charge them with crimes. “You don’t get to break into a house and think there’s no consequences. Squatters are not tenants, and I’m happy to have worked to make sure they don’t have any legal housing protections,” said the Assemblywoman.

As a State Legislator, Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato also voted to officially create the crime of deed theft and implement new tools that can prevent, and also stop, the process through local District Attorney’s and the State Attorney General. Deed theft occurs when someone takes the title of someone’s home without the homeowner’s knowledge or approval. This can occur through forgery, or through fraud as a homeowner unwittingly signs the deed over to a scammer. According to the New York City Sheriff’s Office, there have been at least 3,500 deed theft complaints filed in New York City in the past 10 years.

“Learning about this information will protect your home and neighborhood, and prevent someone from trying to steal your property. I’ve fought to change the law to protect homeowners, and I applaud District Attorney Katz for prosecuting these cases. Whether you own a house, co-op, condo, or any type of property, join us for this informative session as we fight to prevent criminals from taking away what belongs to you,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato.

The hour-long zoom will include a brief presentation regarding the changed laws and steps you can take to prevent deed theft and squatters, along with the opportunity for questions with members of the DA’s team. To register for this Zoom visit www.queensda.org/upcoming-events/.