I actually have quite a bit experience with squatters as I live in New Bedford, MA. one of the biggest shitholes in New England. Its infested with Guatemalans and Ive seen countless families of 8+ rent an apartment using a third party or somehow juke the lanlord at the time of initial agreement and end up bailing on paying rent after about 6 months of solid payments on time. They then take the fight to court after first eviction notice and usually can get so many exceptions it can last more than 18 months. SO you figure they pay 6 months, then get at least a full calendar year rent free before ultimately being forced out.
Its caused lanlords to be very strict and jack up asking price at agreement, 1st and last months rent down, deposit and sometimes other costs that can price most prospective decent renters out of apartments.