11 States Enact Expedited Squatter Laws, 9 More Deliberating

A growing number of U.S. states are enacting or considering laws to expedite the removal of squatters from residential properties.

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As of mid-2025, 11 states have passed such legislation, and 9 additional states have bills under deliberation. Check our interactive map to see the status of your state! This legislative wave is reshaping property rights and has significant implications for the multifamily housing sector.

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‍What Is a Squatter?

A squatter is an individual who occupies a property without legal permission, ownership, or a valid rental agreement. In some jurisdictions, squatters could claim tenant rights after residing in a property for a certain period, complicating eviction processes. However, recent legislative changes aim to redefine and restrict these rights.

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Why Are These Laws Passing Now Across the Country?

Several factors have contributed to the surge in anti-squatting legislation:

• High-Profile Incidents: Cases like that of Adele Andaloro in New York, who was arrested for attempting to remove squatters from her property, have garnered national attention and prompted calls for legal reform. nypost.com
  
  
• Social Media Influence: Platforms like TikTok have amplified squatting incidents, increasing public awareness and concern. stateline.org
  
  
• Housing Market Pressures: With housing shortages and affordability issues, property owners are increasingly vigilant about unauthorized occupants, leading to demands for more robust legal protections.
  
  

What This Means for Multifamily Housing

The new laws have several implications for the multifamily housing sector:

• Enhanced Property Rights: Property owners and managers can now more swiftly address unauthorized occupants, reducing potential revenue losses and property damage.
  
  
• Operational Efficiency: Expedited removal processes can lead to quicker turnover and reduced legal expenses associated with prolonged eviction proceedings.
  
  
• Tenant Relations: Clearer distinctions between lawful tenants and squatters help maintain trust and safety within multifamily communities.

However, it's essential for property managers to stay informed about the specific provisions and requirements of these new laws in their respective states to ensure compliance and protect tenant rights. How to invoke them, the proper measures to take, and how a video surveillance system can help you meet these new laws.

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Don’t Get Caught Off Guard — Know Your Rights

As new squatter laws rapidly reshape the legal landscape, it’s critical for property managers and ownership groups to understand how to properly and legally exercise their rights under these reforms. That’s why Cloudastructure is hosting an exclusive webinar:

🛡️ Navigating New Squatter Eviction Laws Webinar
🎤 Featuring Attorney Adam Edgecombe of Cobb/Gonzalez
📅 Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 12 ET 9 PT

Edgecombe will break down the new legislation, outline key legal steps, and answer your questions live—so you can confidently protect your properties without risking legal exposure.

👉 Reserve your free spot now and stay ahead of the curve

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