Evict Them For Me
The Georgia Squatter Reform Act (House Bill 1017), effective April 24, 2024, created a new criminal offense of unlawful squatting and a faster path for owners to remove squatters — people who occupy property with no lease and no permission. This is distinct from a normal landlord/tenant dispossessory, which still applies to anyone who actually has (or had) a rental relationship with you.
“A person commits the offense of unlawful squatting when he or she enters upon the land or premises of another and resides on such land or premises for any period of time knowingly acting without the knowledge or consent of the owner, rightful occupant, or an authorized representative of the owner.”
An accused squatter receives a citation and must present, within three business days, properly executed documentation authorizing their presence — such as a lease, a rental agreement, or proof of rental payments. If they cannot produce it, they are subject to arrest for unlawful squatting.
If documentation is provided, a hearing is set within seven days; if the court finds the documentation was not properly executed or is not meritorious, the person is subject to demand for possession and removal under O.C.G.A. § 44-11-32, plus possible arrest, penalties for fraudulent documents, and an additional fine based on the fair-market monthly rent. A violation is a misdemeanor punishable under O.C.G.A. § 17-10-3.
What it means for you: if someone is occupying your property with no lease and no permission, you may have a criminal-squatting remedy and a quick civil ejectment of an intruder — a far faster path than a standard dispossessory. But the distinction matters: anyone who actually had a rental relationship is a tenant, and you must still use the dispossessory process for them. When in doubt, treat it as a tenant matter and let us help you sort out which path applies.
ETFM and our legal team manage your Georgia eviction from demand letter through writ execution.
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