The law allows squatters to be charged with misdemeanor trespass, held financially responsible for back rent, and removed within three days if they fail to comply with a law enforcement notice.
“This is insanity that people think they can come in and take over someone’s home,” Kemp told Fox News.
👉 https://www.foxnews.com/politics/kemp-squatting-law
“Illegal squatters are criminals, not residents.”
Still, even with new statutes, eviction is rarely immediate.
The High Cost of Removal
In many states, homeowners must navigate a formal legal process before regaining possession. That can involve:
- Confirming unlawful occupancy
- Serving written notice
- Filing an unlawful detainer or eviction lawsuit
- Appearing in court
Occupants may attempt to claim tenant status or invoke squatter’s rights, delaying proceedings for weeks or longer. Financial losses can mount quickly. Legal experts estimate total costs—including attorney fees, court filings, property damage, lost rental income, and cleanup—can range from $740 to more than $8,000.
