A French homeowner named Maria is now facing up to seven years in prison and a $116-thousand fine after taking back her own property from non-paying squatters while the squatters were on vacation.
The bizarre legal situation began in summer 2022 when Maria decided to reclaim her house in Carcassonne after the occupants refused to pay rent for several months, and authorities wouldn't intervene.
Facing mounting debts including mortgage payments and over $23-thousand in losses, Maria changed the locks and emptied the house of the squatters' belongings, even selling some items at a garage sale to recover unpaid rent and utility bills.
When the squatters returned from vacation, they called police and filed charges against Maria for burglary and unlawful eviction. The case highlights the complex legal protections for occupants in France, where even property owners can face serious criminal charges for self-help evictions.
Maria now finds herself in lengthy court proceedings, potentially facing more severe penalties than the people who occupied her property without paying rent for months.