Squatters

[Account Closed]

What is the difference between breaking & entering, and squatting?

If someone breaks into your empty house and then decides to stay, can you just call the cops and have them arrested for b&e/trespassing? I've never had squatters, so am curious why people have to have them evicted. They obviously broke in and trespassed.

I'm not talking about tenants that let someone stay, then move out. I'm just asking about people breaking into your empty house. Anyone have this experience?

[Dawn Anastasi]

But what is the legal reason why, when someone breaks into your house, that they have to be evicted versus being thrown out for trespassing?  Is it because you didn't pay attention to the property long enough for someone to "move in"?  And what constitutes "moving in"?  Is it just having a sleeping bag there?