Terri Boyette, a resident of Texas, testified to the state Senate committee on local governments about her ongoing battle to evict squatters from her Mesquite home. Boyette, who had purchased the property in September 2021, discovered the squatters almost a year later and had to go through a lengthy process to remove them from her property. Despite her efforts, Boyette still cannot access her home due to the damage caused by the squatters.
Boyette’s struggle began when she hired a handyman to work on the house, only to find out later that he had broken in while she was away caring for her parents. After being notified by a friend of the squatters occupying her home, Boyette contacted the Mesquite Police Department, who informed her that an eviction process would be necessary. Despite her attempts to communicate with the squatters and numerous eviction notices, Boyette faced challenges in securing a court date and struggled to rid her property of the unwanted occupants.
Throughout the ordeal, Boyette continued to pay utilities, taxes, and other fees for the property, in hopes of saving her home. She later found out that the squatter had sold her furniture and left her belongings in a state of disrepair, leading to water and mold damage. Additionally, the squatter allowed others to use the property for illegal activities, such as drug use.
Despite the significant financial and emotional toll on Boyette, she faced difficulty in seeking legal recourse against the squatter, as authorities did not classify the incident as a burglary. Boyette had to incur debt to replace her belongings and repair the damage caused by the squatters. She expressed frustration at the lack of accountability and protection for property owners in such situations, highlighting the need for reform in dealing with similar cases in the future.
Following Boyette’s testimony, the city manager and police chief agreed to review her case and the interactions that took place between her and public services. The Mesquite Police Department stated that they would investigate Boyette’s concerns and provide a thorough account of the events surrounding her eviction process. Boyette’s story shed light on the challenges faced by property owners dealing with squatters and highlighted the need for better protections and support for individuals in similar situations.
