Melissa Hargreaves, founder of Peace of Mind Property Management, was interviewed by FOX45 News about the state’s squatter problem.
Throughout Maryland, suspected squatters have occupied vacant homes and presented alleged fraudulent leases to the police. These unauthorized occupants have remained inside those homes, while homeowners and landlords wait for court cases that drag on for months or years.
The Scam
In the interview, Melissa shared her frustrations about an incident she experienced with a Baltimore County property:
It’s very frustrating because we were able to watch the scammer enter our property illegally, with the intent of meeting a tenant and taking her money. We physically saw her enter our property and called the police. The police came, saw her in the property, and there was nothing they could do. They told us we couldn’t prove she broke in, and she wasn’t stealing anything. I told them she is stealing the entire house.
Why Don’t the Police Do Something About Squatters?
In Maryland, the police have said that squatting incidents are civil matters. Therefore, when they respond to a disputed-occupancy call, they don’t treat it as a crime.
Melissa explained:
Right now, police officers’ hands are tied. When they show up, when someone is squatting in a property, it’s a civil matter. There is nothing they can do.
New Bills to Crack Down on Squatter Problem
On May 12, 2026, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed two bills into law that are aimed at cracking down on the state’s squatter issues. One of the bills makes the manufacturing or possession of a fraudulent lease a felony.
Regarding the new felony provision, Melissa shared:
It’s a fantastic first step. At least when they do get to court, it will be a felony charge. There will be some consequences for these bad actors.
However, it still doesn’t give police immediate authority to remove unauthorized occupants on the spot. So, even supporters of the new law say that the General Assembly and Moore still have more work to do regarding Maryland’s squatter problem.
