Thousands of people have experienced the unfortunate situation of having their homes taken over by someone else. This act, commonly known as squatting, can be a legal nightmare to resolve and may take months to rectify. In the past, squatters often faced minimal consequences for their actions. However, Alabama has recently enacted a new law that makes squatting a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The law aims to provide a faster resolution to remove squatters from properties, with the legal process beginning after just 24 hours.
Representative Craig Lipscomb, the sponsor of the bill, puts it into perspective: “Imagine returning from vacation to find someone living in your home.”
According to Representative Lipscomb, evicting a squatter was previously a tedious and exasperating process.
Lipscomb explains that in the past, there were limited options available for addressing the issue of unauthorized residents. The most expedited process available took up to 21 days to complete the legal procedures necessary for removing someone from a residence they were not legally permitted to occupy. However, this process was still considered to be quite slow.
Thanks to a recently enacted law, property owners can now expedite the process of removing squatters from their premises. House Bill 182 allows property owners to evict squatters within 24 hours of their occupation.
According to Lipscomb, minimizing the potential for damage to a home is crucial, and this is where the length of time someone spends in the property plays a significant role. “If someone spends less time in the property, the chances of them causing significant damage to it are reduced,” she explains. This is an essential consideration that should not be overlooked.
According to him, this law heavily relies on law enforcement to ensure its success.
According to him, it is their responsibility to guarantee the safety and protection of everyone involved in the process of relocating from their homes.
The recently passed law requires owners to provide an affidavit to local law enforcement to prove their ownership or authorization of the dwelling. Following a 24-hour period, the law enforcement agency is obligated to serve a notice to vacate to any squatters occupying the property.
Lipscomb warns that falsifying information could result in criminal charges, specifically a class A misdemeanor. This offense carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000. The severity of these consequences serves as a deterrent against individuals attempting to wrongfully evict someone from their rightful home.
Squatting is considered a serious offense and is punishable by a Class C felony.
Lipscomb emphasizes that the offense carries a significant penalty, ranging from one to ten years of imprisonment.
According to him, homeowners are now finding solace in the law.
Lipscomb states, “We now have a legal precedent to address the issue.”
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