Georgia has seen an increase in squatter cases being taken to court in recent years, with a report by the Pacific Legal Foundation showing a rise in cases beginning in 2019. The number of these cases in the state rose from three in 2017 to 50 in 2021, with 198 civil court cases involving squatting in 2023. A survey by the National Rental Home Council found that Atlanta had the largest number of homes occupied by unlawful inhabitants, followed by Dallas and Orlando.
To gather data for the report, Kyle Sweetland, a research manager for property rights at the public interest law firm, sought out states with centralized record systems for squatting cases and found that Georgia had the necessary information available. The report only collected data from 25 of Georgia’s 159 counties, but it provided an accurate estimate of the cases dealing with squatters at a broader level. One theory for the increase in squatter cases is the backlog in the civil court system due to the eviction moratorium in 2020, which protected squatters under Georgia’s old law.
With the rise in both rent and home prices after the 2020 moratorium, there has been an increase in squatter cases in Georgia and other states. To address this issue, many states have passed laws that put rights back in the hands of homeowners and away from squatters. In Georgia, the Squatter Reform Act, signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp, has greatly shortened the time it takes to remove a squatter from a home, making the process faster and easier for homeowners. Since the passing of this law, it is likely that more squatter cases will be brought to court in the state.
If you are a homeowner dealing with a squatter on your property, it is important to seek advice from a real estate attorney. Jerron Kelley, a partner at Kelley & Grant P.A. in Boca Raton, Florida, recommends contacting a real estate attorney who has the knowledge and expertise to handle your specific situation. The expertise of a real estate attorney can help navigate the legal process of removing squatters from your property. It is important to understand the laws and regulations surrounding squatters to protect your property rights.
The increase in squatter cases in Georgia and other states has raised concerns among homeowners and lawmakers. The Squatter Reform Act and similar laws in other states aim to protect homeowners from the intrusion of unlawful inhabitants on their properties. These laws make it easier and faster for homeowners to remove squatters, providing a legal framework to address the issue effectively. With the assistance of legal professionals, homeowners can take the necessary steps to protect their properties and ensure that their rights are upheld.
Overall, the rise in squatter cases in Georgia reflects a broader trend in the state and across the country. By implementing laws and regulations that prioritize homeowner rights and expedite the removal of squatters, states are addressing this issue and protecting property owners. Seeking advice from professionals, such as real estate attorneys, can help homeowners navigate the legal process and safeguard their properties from unlawful occupants. As more squatter cases are brought to court, it is essential for homeowners to be informed about their rights and options for resolving these situations effectively.
