Georgia Governor Signs Squatter Reform Act, Declares ‘This is Insanity’
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed into law a bill that makes squatting a crime in the state. The Georgia Squatter Reform Act allows property owners to seek damages from squatters and speeds up the eviction process.
“This is insanity,” Kemp said. “People just think they can come in and take over somebody’s home. I mean it’s just outrageous.”
The legislation comes as squatting has become a growing problem nationwide. Real estate agents and homeowners have reported cases of squatters selling appliances and even charging people for rent in occupied properties.
Under the new law, squatting will become a misdemeanor criminal offense punishable by up to a year in jail. Squatters could also face a $1,000 fine and could be charged with a felony if they forge a fake lease.
The Squatter Reform Act also allows property owners to go after squatters for damages. This means that squatters could be held liable for any repairs or cleaning costs that are necessary to restore the property to its original condition.
Kemp said that the new law is necessary to protect homeowners from squatters who are taking advantage of loopholes in the current system.
“We’re passing legislation that I’m going to sign right after this interview to stiffen the penalties, to go after these folks, to also speed up the eviction process,” Kemp said. “But, also, allow the property owner to go after these squatters for damages.”
The Georgia Squatter Reform Act is similar to a law that was passed in Florida earlier this year. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Florida bill into law in March.
Kemp said that he believes that the Georgia law is even stronger than the Florida law.
“I’m sure it’s much of the same, just using the legal powers that we have to push up the process,” Kemp said. “I mean, look, it’s insane that it even happens to start with. But, then, when you can’t remove these people from your own property, as a property owner myself, it goes to the insanity of the world that we’re living in now and I know that Governor DeSantis isn’t going to put up with that and neither are we.”
The signing of the Squatter Reform Act is a victory for homeowners and property owners in Georgia. The law will help to protect them from squatters who are taking advantage of the current system.
