Google squatters rights. Each state is different but you do have a legal right to occupy a space until the property owner asks you to leave. After seven years if you can prove that you have improved the value of the property you can apply for a deed of ownership. If you decide to fight the property owner about leaving they can call the police and you can be charged with trespassing, But usually if you just leave when they ask you, Everything is fine. If you want to do the same thing in the apartment you are occupying the property owner needs to evict you. This is bad for you because finding a new apartment becomes much more difficult after an eviction, But if you need time to work out a months rent usually this process will give you some time to come up with the money.