Imagine returning to your property, only to find strangers living inside—claiming legal rights to stay. For many Georgia homeowners, this nightmare was all too real. Until recently, squatters could move into a vacant home, forge fake lease documents, and tie up rightful property owners in a long and expensive eviction process. But now, squatters no longer have a legal loophole to exploit.

 

As of 2025, Georgia’s new anti-squatting law is officially in full effect, and it’s been a game-changer. Signed by Governor Brian Kemp, the law allows police to remove squatters immediately instead of homeowners having to wait months (or even years) for an eviction to go through the courts.

 

If you own property in Georgia—whether it’s a rental, a vacation home, or a house you’re trying to sell—here’s what you need to know about how this law protects you and what steps you can take to prevent squatters from targeting your home.

 

How Squatters Take Advantage of the System

For years, squatters took advantage of legal gray areas to occupy homes without permission. Many posed as legitimate tenants, presenting fake leases to law enforcement when questioned. Because Georgia law did not classify squatting as a crime, police were often unable to remove them on the spot. Instead, homeowners had to take the matter to civil court—a process that could take months or even years, depending on the county.

 

One homeowner described the ordeal as a "sickening feeling of violation." He was forced to endure sleepless nights and prolonged legal battles, all while someone else lived in his home rent-free. With some metro Atlanta counties experiencing eviction backlogs that stretched over a year, squatters found it easy to game the system.

 

Across the country, the rate of court cases filed against squatters has been increasing. One 2024 report from Dentons estimated that many thousands of Georgia homes were occupied by squatters. Another 2023 report by the Pacific Legal Foundation discovered that across just 25 of Georgia's 159 counties, squatting court cases increased by 6,500% from 2017 to 2023.

 

What Georgia’s New Law Does Differently

The new law went into effect on April 24, 2024. Here’s what it means for homeowners:

  • Squatting is now considered a crime. Prior to the new law, squatting was considered a civil matter. Now, police can immediately remove squatters from your property and charged with criminal trespassing.
  • Fake leases carry felony charges. Anyone caught using fraudulent documents to claim they have the right to live on a property they don't own can now face felony-level consequences.
  • Eviction is expedited. Homeowners can have squatters legally removed in just three days, rather than waiting months for court proceedings.

This shift means that property owners no longer have to jump through legal hoops just to regain control of their own homes.

 

How to Protect Your Home from Squatters

While the new law makes it significantly easier to remove squatters, prevention is still the best defense. Here are some proactive measures you can take:

 

1. Secure your property. Install high-quality locks and ensure all windows and doors are reinforced.

2. Invest in a home security system. Motion-activated cameras and smart security systems can alert you and the police if someone enters your property illegally.

3. Regularly check on vacant properties. If you have a rental or a home listed for sale, visit frequently or hire a property manager to do routine inspections.

4. Verify prospective tenants. Before leasing out your property, conduct background checks and verify employment and rental history.

 

What This Means for Georgia Homeowners

This law marks a major victory for property owners across the state. It closes the loopholes that previously emboldened squatters and gives homeowners a faster path to reclaiming their property.

 

If you’re a homeowner or real estate investor, now is the time to take stock of your security measures. While the law now supports your rights more clearly, taking steps to protect your home will ensure you never have to deal with squatters in the first place.

 

Have you or someone you know ever dealt with squatters? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear how this law might impact you!