Squatters have rights in North Carolina only if they meet certain criteria. Otherwise, they could be considered trespassers and charged with a crime.

Rosensteel Fleishman attorney Matthew Fleishman was interviewed by WCNC regarding homeowners rights in Charlotte, NC.

https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/wheres-the-money-squatters-vacant-homes-charlotte-north-carolina-investigation-landlords-real-estate/275-8a31861e-0725-48f8-af9b-de00ec00c1f6