APARTMENT ADVOCATE legislation enabling quicker removal of squatters, which was sent to Governor Abbott for signature on June 1.
APARTMENT ASSOCIATION ADVOCACY LED TO BETTER OUTCOMES
Indiana: S. B. 157, Signed into law May 6, Effective July 1, 2025
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Affidavit-based, expedited removal process – within 48 hours – a win for providers
Balances enforcement with wrongful removal remedy, immunity for law enforcement
Christopher Lee, Vice President of the Indiana Apartment Association( IAA) provided legislative insights to NAA:“ We’ ve seen squatting issues become a growing concern in other states, which was why [ IAA ] was proud to support legislation this session that proactively addresses potential challenges in Indiana. Senate Enrolled Act 157 established a clear and effective process for property owners to have squatters removed. We appreciate the thoughtful forward-thinking work of lawmakers throughout the session... and we’ re thankful for their support in helping property owners protect their homes, their residents, and their communities.”
Utah: S. B. 55, Signed into law March 25, Effective May 7, 2025
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Alternative remedy outside eviction process for dealing with trespassers entering / possessing a property without rights of tenancy
Targets narrow area of property operations that may otherwise be overlooked
Paul Smith, Executive Director of the Rental Housing Association of Utah( RHA) shared gratitude for“ the sponsors of the bill and law enforcement stakeholders who negotiated this remedy.” Smith pointed to several examples in which trespassers forged documents to illegally move into a rental property, noting the only previous remedy was the eviction process. He believes the law“ will be very rarely used but is needed when people enter and trespass without paying and obtaining a valid rental agreement.”
Mississippi: H. B. 1200, Signed into law April 10, Effective July 1, 2025
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Delayed turnover, lost rent, property damage and legal burdens. The current wave of legislation reflects a growing demand for practical, enforceable solutions."
Expedited removal, with process initiated no more than 24 hours after affidavit filed with law enforcement
ɑ Built-in resident protections, including hearing, penalties for false squatting complaints- balancing enforcement with due process
Meghan Elder, Association Executive at the Mississippi Apartment Association( MAA), expressed appreciation for the Legislature’ s“ consideration of the difficulties that some property owners face when a squatter refuses to leave.” Elder noted that“ squatters, unlike holdover tenants, are not necessarily subject to eviction pursuant to the Residential Landlord Tenant Act,” pointing to some instances where squatters have done significant property damage before the owner could remove them.
She explained that the“ new law fills a void by giving property owners the right to quickly initiate a squatter removal directly with law enforcement,” while maintaining appropriate protections. Looking ahead, Elder expects " it will take some time for law enforcement across the State to develop the paperwork and other protocols to implement the new law” but notes MAA“ looks forward to seeing how [ it ] will be enforced.”
California: Daniel Yukelson, Executive Director & CEO of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles( AAGLA), told NAA that
California’ s treatment of squatter removal as a civil matter means that rental housing providers have few options for retaining control of their property.“ Squatting has become a growing issue for California’ s property owners who must not only bear the costs of a lengthy and expensive eviction process, but also the costs of clean-up and repair that are inevitable,” said Yukelson, adding that AAGLA is a vocal advocate for legislation that would“ streamline the squatter removal process by empowering local law enforcement to address these situations," thereby reducing harm to all parties involved.
An AAGLA-supported bill, S. B. 448, would have solved many of these issues but was held in committee, with Yukelson noting that“[ SB 448 ] has been held over to the 2026 legislative session when we will again have an opportunity to seek the bill’ s passage.”
NAA’ S OUTLOOK
Squatting continues to burden the industry and infringes on the rights of housing providers and residents alike. Fortunately, states are increasingly taking strong steps to mitigate the issue. NAA is grateful to its affiliate partners across the country for ensuring that the industry’ s perspective is heard and represented in conversations about legislative solutions. At the same time, NAA is committed to ensuring that federal policy smooths the path, not hinders, housing providers’ ability to provide quality affordable housing in communities across the country. www. aamdhq. org 29 | TRENDS JULY 2025