Alabama's new anti-squatter law, House Bill 182 (HB 182), will take effect on June 1, 2024. Signed by Governor Kay Ivey, this legislation aims to bolster homeowners' rights and expedite the removal of illegal occupants from private properties. The law comes in response to a rise in squatting incidents across the state.
Sponsored by State Representative Craig Lipscomb, HB 182 introduces stringent penalties for those falsifying real estate documents and establishes a streamlined process for law enforcement to swiftly evict unauthorized occupants. The new law classifies squatting as a criminal offense, specifically under AL Code 13A-7-7 for third-degree burglary, a Class C felony.
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Governor Ivey emphasized the importance of protecting private property rights, stating, "A person's home is their castle, and this law ensures that any attempts to hijack and take over someone’s home will be met with swift action by law enforcement." She highlighted that the best place for an illegal squatter is a jail cell.
The law targets fraudulent practices such as fake leases or deeds, making it a crime to present or use such documents to remain on the property. Law enforcement will now have the authority to serve a notice to vacate within 24 hours after proper documentation is provided by the property owner, bypassing the need for lengthy court processes.
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Alabama's legislation mirrors efforts in other states to combat squatting. The state’s focus on quick enforcement is designed to provide immediate relief to homeowners facing unauthorized occupation of their properties. This law is considered one of the toughest anti-squatting measures in the country.
The introduction of HB 182 has been widely supported by property owners and real estate professionals who have faced challenges with squatters. They argue that previous legal processes were too slow and allowed squatters to remain in properties for extended periods, causing financial and emotional distress.
The new law also includes measures to punish those who falsify real estate documents to claim ownership or residency illegally. These provisions are intended to deter individuals from attempting to use fraudulent methods to occupy homes and provide law enforcement with clear guidelines for addressing such cases.
As Alabama prepares to implement HB 182, the law is expected to set a precedent for other states dealing with similar issues. The effectiveness of this legislation will be closely watched, as it represents a significant shift towards protecting property rights and reducing illegal squatting across the state.
This should be the case in Every state. People taking properties from people need to go to Prison Minimum 15 to 25 years. This is an egregious act to perpetrat on someone and the Perpetrator needs to Pay the price.