This is how police are now enforcing Georgia’s news squatter laws following Channel 2 investigations

Georgia’s new tougher penalties against squatters are now the law of the land. The new law comes after a series of Channel 2 Action News investigations exposed the loophole squatters were taking advantage of.
The full story: 2wsb.tv/4avopov
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[@tylagarcia4091]

I never understood how squatters had RIGHTS?!?

[@mariahardy1201]

Ikr?!? And just How do you get $60k behind in rent?

[@holycrapchris]

Squatters don't have rights. _Tenants_ have rights. Squatters present themselves as tenants, and police don't have a quick way to verify that.

[@a6am3mn0n]

@@billysunshine9100 It actually goes back to old English law. It is meant to protect renters from landlords, and prevent landlords from just sitting on unused property. As with anything there can be loopholes and abuse.

[@garfield2439]

Me either

[@rondaallen7211]

hundreds of years ago-before USA was a thing, homeless people would demand rights to whatever open fields they were sleeping in. then they got organized. for some reason, modern laws overlooked this issue until now.

[@scottw7141]

Should be charged with breaking and entering too.

[@notmebutyou8350]

Yep, and Trespaasing!

[@mannydcbianco]

For sure. And damage to property because she guaranteed broke things to get into the house in the first place. And I doubt a person like that cares if she causes damage to the home in general, so there's sure to be dings and scratches and water damage and scuffs all over the interior of the house. And then she has used the home-owners electricity which nowadays oftentimes is several hundred a month. And then.. she just moved on the the next house down the street, did the same thing. She needs to spend a few years in prison every time it happens.

[@cococinnamon2236]

Apparently, that’s new you gotta see how they steal the cut cables from tesla charging station

[@vietcongbuondanbannuocphan1791]

and blacklisted these people so it will cost a lot more to rent

[@cococinnamon2236]

@@vietcongbuondanbannuocphan1791 yeah but it doesn’t give them the right to break and enter homes

[@MERC28303]

A fake lease for someone else’s property should be criminal fraud.

[@nevinbrockett1858]

i think it is

[@tunasandwich8049]

It is It's literally textbook fraud

[@treehouse2902]

Yes. Previously that could have only be resolved in court. Now the authorities can act quicker to get rid of the scammers.

[@BeeGee-xu6ep]

Yah theyd be coming back to pick up some bodies after that lmao

[@gailmorra]

Vermin

[@JayCee90261]

Reporting on this matter made the law change. Bravo to the news outlets for pushing this

[@MirandaSinistra]

Local news for the win.

[@Entreped]

This is what good journalism is supposed to be. If only the mainstream media acted the same way. The world would be a better place.

[@bobcortez9471]

Imagine that, the news, or “4th Branch” actually doing what they are supposed to do versus being propagandists.

[@Rad_Brad813]

now all someone has to do is make a fake lease, then call the cops and they can remove the legal homeowner/tenant. Good job making it easier for squatters is what you mean. Before the house had to be empty for squatters to move in. Now since they changed the tenants rights laws, not squatters rights laws those have never existed, the cops will vacate the house for the squatters! I mean how do they know what documents are real, and which are forged? They couldn't tell before.

[@_PatrickO]

This was also never a civil matter. Police just refused to do their jobs. Trespassing is trespassing. This is a law that forces police to do their jobs.

[@0Ghostie0]

It’s like stealing a car because no one was driving it.

[@lilamontoya5609]

👏🏽

[@SunnyDeLite]

It's not. The car isn't necessary to live. You will die in these summer's, if your loved one came into a time of hardship and had to find a place to stay to not die from heat I bet you would be saying something completely different.

[@MrRDRII]

@@SunnyDeLitesquatters should fix their own life and not be a burden to someone else.

[@SunnyDeLite]

@@MrRDRII a burden to someone only trying to profit and not using their homes? Boo hoo. Capitalism has you all lost.. America is supposed to be built on Christian values, yet all the comments are valuing someones profits over someones life. Matthew 19:23-26 KJV "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."

[@KrisD007]

@@SunnyDeLiteLMAO, I wonder how people survived in the heat before a/c! AND the Bible verses YOU chose to recite mean nothing about being rich, it’s about being saved by believing Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, not being saved by being rich. YOU should know that OF you are going to recite verses at us. Nice try! 😂😂😂😂

[@oiseauNoir]

It is stupid that a law has to be created to arrest a squatter. Isn't breaking & entering already illegal?🤬

[@michaelmerck7576]

Sometimes these doors aren't locked so therefore breaking in doesn't apply

[@brandonbell5357]

In some states

[@monicarenee7949]

@@michaelmerck7576 wait so if I go on vacation or to work and forget to lock my door then it’s legal for someone to come in? I mean, I know not to do that but didn’t realize that would absolve them

[@cowlico]

@@monicarenee7949I’m with you on this one because yeah that sounds stupid as hell. It’s not their home, I don’t care if the door was wide open and the fact that anyone should have to go to court and fight to get their own property back is pure ridiculous.

[@ShaShaLuva414]

This just never made sense to me. I am surprise that people didn’t loose their lives over this. Ridiculous 😳

[@delta-9969]

Just because a home invader refuses to leave doesn't make him a tenant. The sheer absurdity of life in 2024

[@louiscyphre2267]

These laws were before 2024.

[@prima808]

You have it backwards. These are stupid archaic laws since WAY before 2024. I'm glad to see these old laws being revised in 2024

[@meebzilla]

Happened to me in 2016. A horrible squatter moved into my house and the cops said he had the right to stay until I filed an official eviction case, which I had to do. They said they couldn’t remove him.

[@naturreal1705]

No way she got scammed 2x in a row on the same street. Go ahead & arrest her now! I think any city that allow squatters to have rights over someone else's property should be sued for the rent owed, property damages & taxes.

[@AB-ez4rm]

If she did get scammed twice she should not be allowed to have any (more?) kids for being so gullible.

[@ambermyers7463]

Civil matter but remember these squatters will never pay one dime.

[@DrewFlo]

now they need to go after the scam artist who are renting fake homes

[@KagomeYasha023]

Wish squatters would go squat in the governors home and the likes

[@conclavecabal.h0rriphic]

She tried pulling that bullsh*t twice on the same block?! 😂 wooooow she deserves allll the static coming her way.

[@USNBLUE]

It’s breaking entering period. Squatters have zero rights.

[@Gungadin0112]

Zero Zero Zero!

[@omnignarusist]

and theft if the owners are trying to rent the property. That's a loss of income(passive).

[@USNBLUE]

@@omnignarusist 💯

[@John_Lee_]

except european squatters in north america. They have full squatter's rights

[@USNBLUE]

@@John_Lee_ Irrelevant comment. Wars are won and wars are lost. Get over it. You can leave anytime.

[@szqsk8]

It should never be a civil matter. It’s a crime pure and simple.

[@denverlilly3669]

Evidently not...

[@fld2240]

Amen

[@theinsightfulvisionary0197]

That's true!!!

[@Peter-pv8xx]

These are clearly home invasions which are against the law.

[@jesses5463]

It depends. In most states, it's a civil matter pure and simple. In Georgia it is now a crime.

[@timmontano8792]

It's about freaken time. Now I'd like to see every state in the country adopt these new squatter laws.

[@MrAsmith1583]

Alabama just passed an anti-squatter law shortly after Georgia passed theirs.

[@jamedlock83]

Georgia just paved the way!!!!!!!!!!! Other States need to start this

[@jameslarosa5074]

Negative, Nevada has had the law in place since 2015. NRS 205.0817. Even better, it is an automatic arrest, not a citation. Additional charges of forgery are added if they present fake documents. Glad Georgia caught up.

[@timekabolden5309]

Florida just did before this recently. 😅😂😂😂😂

[@rogersw9]

this is a no brainer. theft is theft is theft

[@h_3_x_]

squatting is a human right

[@MM-zm5qx]

​@@h_3_x_@ squatting is not a human right getting a job so you can buy your own house and contribute to society is a human right. No human has the right to take something that doesn't belong to them 🤔

[@diahegge5395]

@@h_3_x_😂😂😂😂

[@h_3_x_]

​@@MM-zm5qx what are u talking about do u know the difference between sqaUTTING AND TRESSPASSING. squatyting is living in a home that is vacant and trespassing is in a home that is lived in. shut up kid and read a book 15.1 million vacant homes and 653,000 homeless people as rent rises we are being lied too. this is BlackRock propaganda

[@h_3_x_]

what are u talking about do u know the difference between sqaUTTING AND TRESSPASSING. squatyting is living in a home that is vacant and trespassing is in a home that is lived in. shut up kid and read a book 15.1 million vacant homes and 653,000 homeless people as rent rises we are being lied too. this is BlackRock propaganda

[@mle7231]

squatters broke into my grandparents home after they passed away. Our family was preparing to put the house up for sale, but then the squatters caused thousands in damage. F- squatters, I don't have sympathy for them

[@isolda980]

That's TERRIBLE!

[@SammiJoReviews]

That’s terrible! It’s scary that 18-20yrs ago, I had a rental property that didn’t have a tenant. It was empty for more than a few months. I never had to worry about squatters moving in. I can’t imagine how you felt. I think if something like that had happened to my mil’s house after she passed, the cops would have likely arrested me for dragging them out of the house. Heartfelt sympathies.

[@hexmaniacruby]

ive had people squatting in my home it took me legal loopholes to take a stand and pursue legal action against them while i now have my own home back everytime i leave my own house i have this constant fear that it will happen again

[@lovegodfirst654]

I had 2 different squatters. Over 100k in damage because they would not remove them. I wish every state would fix this.

[@lovegodfirst654]

​@@hexmaniacrubyno legal loophole here. I had to trick them out. Said if you leave by a certain date, won't press charges and such. Had a paper from sheriff's office that wrote that on.

[@voice-of-reason318]

Mayor Adams, are you watching?!? We need this in NYC. Enough is enough!

[@ChristmasDiamond]

It might backfire for us New Yorkers though. If a neighbor can call for a possible squatter, most of us are older. That tenant lease has been locked away for however many years the person was living there. A step would need to be added so no loopholes happen

[@rossthef0x]

He is just going to throw a tantrum and demand the BLM army take out the "injustice"

[@KagomeYasha023]

People should go squat in the mayor and governors homes

[@RunDMS]

He heard you and is working on it.

[@HeyCoachBarbara]

🤣🤣🤣

[@robindelude3787]

“Squatters rights” should not even be a thing - anywhere!

[@Lucyh6776]

It makes no sense why squatters ever had rights to begin with. Literally breaking and entering. Taking someone's car is a crime, why is taking their house not?

[@LionofJudah222]

Exactly! It's just common sense!

[@crw662]

Squatters rights do not cover the types of squatters found in this video. It’s an entirely separate thing legally. The problem in cases in this video is that cops can not determine if a lease is valid, that’s a judges job. That’s why the law changed to expedite these cases in court.

[@masonwoodson2125]

It goes hand in hand with slavery. How do you think the white race ended up with land that other races inhabited.

[@thealohamu808]

What we see here is not what squatter rights cover....this has more to do with the rights of Landlord and Tenants.

[@bung1029]

Probably because of rAcIsMs or something

[@phystogan1309]

These laws should be passed nationwide. Good job Georgia!

[@latonyalee7821]

Florida passed this law about a month ago and the home owner can physically remove the people, no need to call the law unless you want to and then they will get them out, but there are some homeowners that aren't waiting around and remember we have the right to carry without a permit, so the squatters are really risking their lives if they continue this foolishness here.

[@rickgreen9743]

commiefornia won't pass such a law

[@phystogan1309]

@@latonyalee7821 it's a great step in the right direction, but Florida hasn't gotten rid of the law that says that if a squatter has been in the residence for seven years then they gain ownership. Hopefully that will happen someday.

[@Omgbrittbee]

Nationwide is on your side! Lol. Not really. Georgia looks to be though!

[@jesusrivera2970]

@@phystogan1309ain’t no squatter gonna be living in the same spot for 7 years 😂 cmon now be real

[@treehouse2902]

This is how it is done. Thank you Georgia and Florida too.

[@gina928]

It’s about time authorities do something about squatters.

[@johntracy72]

The irony of a squatter having a no trespassing sign in the window.

[@qubonic]

I know right 🤣🤣🤣

[@billcorder9452]

like that will work...haha

[@VAFranky]

I made the same comment and then scrolled down and saw yours. Absolutely wild!

[@richardcallihan9746]

High-speed rocksalt works well.

[@horacesmith6307]

All these billionaire in the so call greatest country and ppl R homeless and under pay

[@bobbygetsbanned6049]

Squatting should be a FELONY in all 50 states!

[@JustanotherLisa]

I see you’re not a Christian . Homeless ppl can’t afford to pay high rents . All of our tax dollars is being given to illegals by the democrats who have destroyed our country

[@corneshahenderson8169]

And we mean this whole heartedly!!!!!😤😤

[@techmouse.]

If you don't want squatters, then lower the rent and stop discriminating so a real tenant can move in. Moldlords are destroying the country. Get a real job.

[@xxdesertstorm]

as well as all Provinces and Territories in Canada

[@xxdesertstorm]

@@techmouse. ok woke clown, the government doesn't control rent that is up to landlords which is another problem in itself

[@sarahshouse1890]

This kind of criminal behavior boils my blood. So infuriating and shameful! Let these people squat in JAIL!

[@snowygirl131]

Why? What sends you into a rage over a property crime?

[@jay851038]

Give those GA lawmakers a raise!

[@PghNGDave31]

A fake lease isn't a criminal thing? That's theft. And a squatter is a trespasser. That's also criminal...

[@PghNGDave31]

@@sandrazollman550 I'm sure it could be a felony if the total of the lease is above their minimum for a felony charge. Which most places is $1,000. And I'm sure a lease is over that.

[@MisbehavedLiberty]

A fake lease is a civil matter. The squatter says the have a valid lease, the owner says they don’t, the cops aren’t there to, and aren’t trained to, investigate contract law. That’s for the courts and that’s why it’s not trespass or theft.

[@annc.3908]

It’s fraud. Not civil.

[@PghNGDave31]

@@MisbehavedLiberty here in Pittsburgh, during a concert, a couple were taking money for people to park in a lot that they didn't own and didn't have permission from the owner. They were arrested and criminally charged with theft and fraud.

[@MisbehavedLiberty]

@@PghNGDave31 I don’t know what Pittsburgh’s laws are. The clip specifically stated that GA changed its law to move squatting to a felony. Squatters rights are linked to adverse possession which is property law.

[@5Ring]

These people should be arrested and charged with Grand Theft of the value of the home. You've stolen a house worth $300k, you get charged with that. Spend 10 years in prison. Set an example for other worthless people.

[@tinagaughan6297]

Absolutely!

[@Themanwiththeplan359]

Huh? Sounding incompetent. You can be charged that way too if you allegedly "brought a home" through a real estate transaction broker aka realtor

[@shazzorama]

It’s free rent for them either way.

[@MizrahiChick]

Solves not having housing.

[@LBCTITAN]

You're crazy! Too many of you all want to see people charged with a felony and locked as you say for ten years. They should keep it at a misdeameanor and have them pay for lost rent and repairs and 6 months in the county jail on the first offense.

[@undershade1834]

Not only should they be charged with breaking and entering, trespassing, criminal mischief, etc. They also need to be charged with grand theft for the value of the home and the highest possible conspiracy charges

[@user-lr7iw2ux9f]

They should put it in all states

[@glenmoss02]

Get busted exiting a house with a TV, that's a crime. Steal the actual house, that's a civil matter. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@jcallwood25]

Welcome to America.

[@FirehorseG]

​@@jcallwood25The UK also. Except the burglars are never caught because the police don't even bother to come out anymore or to car theft. Welcome to broken Britain.

[@bobbydee1187]

Makes No Sense.

[@het-herukhepra752]

🤣🤣🤣 right SMH!!

[@TigerLilly-qz1ff]

If you take a car it’s grand theft but a 🏠

[@miriferbuendia4630]

This law should to be extended to the whole country!

[@cgilleybsw]

just at the state level. We don't need more feds involved in our underwear.

[@HarringJess]

Amen

[@elhoward7440]

Agreed. If Georgia demonstrates this law works, every state should adopt a version of it. That's how the American system is supposed to work. It just takes a lot longer than we wish it would.

[@NoName-rl3fh]

Correct

[@Oshun2525]

California would never pass this law. They are trying to outlaw plastic grocery bags! Straws already bit the dust. They have to be requested at restaurants. Newsom is garbage.

[@PBEcotaku]

Without squatting being illegal, what's to stop someone from breaking into your home that you actually live in and claim they're a housemate?

[@MrWolfSnack]

Nothing. This has already happened in Seattle. Lots of crackheads breaking into homes and living in there while the owner is at work. They come home and find some drunk addict sleeping in their bed and eating their food.

[@antongromek4180]

Do that in the wrong house, and it WILL be a criminal matter (and a job for a crime scene cleaner)

[@survidmt]

Ought to be adopted nation wide.

[@h_3_x_]

15.1 million vacant homes and 653,000 homeless people as rent rises we are being lied too this BlackRock propaganda

[@sandblast5636]

that is like using COMMON SENSE, they have none.

[@katen1228]

Absolutely

[@LV4EVR]

In D'em/liberal run states, it's not likely. They have literally been protecting criminals like this. Insane!

[@h_3_x_]

@sandblast5636 squatter rights ate human rights. U have vacant homes all over 16 million to be exact and 653,000 homless people as rent rises we are Being lied too

[@deonsmith6331]

Just shows how stupid the government is. You gotta make a bill for burglary. SMH this is a common sense law.

[@chavvy9074]

It’s not burglary and the law establishes crimes stupid

[@h_3_x_]

shut up kid and read a book 15.1 million vacant homes and 653,000 homeless people as rent rises we are being lied too. this is blackrock propaganda

[@caroleappling2007]

Squatter right laws date back to the Homestead Act of 1862, which allowed setters to take western land from Native Americans, now it’s backfire.

[@h_3_x_]

what are u talking about do u know the difference between sqaUTTING AND TRESSPASSING. squatyting is living in a home that is vacant and trespassing is in a home that is lived in. shut up kid and read a book 15.1 million vacant homes and 653,000 homeless people as rent rises we are being lied too. this is BlackRock propaganda

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

@@caroleappling2007yea, that probably should have been updated sometime BEFORE 2024…..

[@lol2306]

This needs to be in every state.

[@annmittelstadt2938]

Every state needs this law.

[@sdlock83]

Squatting should be an automatic FELONY because squatters KNOWINGLY deprived the properties' rightful owners and intentionally cause hardship.

[@MagsVision]

That’s dumb. Then the south could just sue the north.

[@sdlock83]

@@MagsVision I think it's funny that your kind want to politicized everything.

[@uncleb7821]

@@MagsVision your emotionally charged response was identical to that of an adolescents. Time to mature, baby boy.

[@MagsVision]

@@uncleb7821 emotionally charged?

[@infinitemafuba6269]

​@sdlock83 you sound like an abused kid that never got help

[@miked815]

The fact squatters ever had rights shows how dumb and stupid our justice system is.

[@giveittomikey17]

They’re batting a thousand right now

[@TheMasochistKnight]

It used to make sense. The laws were originally created to protect tenants from scum lords, which was a huge problem in nyc back in the day but of course we can’t have anything good..

[@jenniferlynn329]

​@@TheMasochistKnight I wonder if the rules are even older than that... back 100+ years ago, if a property was left empty and no one claimed it, then they could claim ownership of it.

[@twicemadd]

@@jenniferlynn329That’s what thought it came from.

[@davidperez5089]

Yeah! Take it back to OJ for starters.

[@zacharyatkins8880]

Already see a issue with crooked HOA's using this as a means for harrassment on home owners

[@Choppermv17]

No never Karen's at the HOA abusing laws never

[@Tama40551]

‼️‼️‼️

[@snowygirl131]

Thank you! Yes, this.

[@AdelineCowgirl]

@@Choppermv17Karen is a name, not an insult. Grow up.

[@Choppermv17]

@@AdelineCowgirl lol

[@barnabyaprobert5159]

If the squatter feels that they've been scammed then GO TO THE POLICE.

[@XoxoMoot]

😂😂😂😂😂that part! 💯!!

[@kristopherkammerdiener5057]

You go in and don't pay any rent for years. You're a scumbag and you're stealing and you have to pay the $60,000

[@kristopherkammerdiener5057]

You have to get a job. And pay rent. The VAST majority are flat out scammers. Move in and never pay rent or just find empty house.. move in and owners find out.. scum people get out and pay the $$$

[@hotmesssouthernmom4542]

The Police? They don't give a flying f*ck

[@TheTibetyak]

The sad part is they have and have been successful. A NY woman attempted to evict squatters from a rental home. The squatter called police. They came and arrested her. It got quite a bit of coverage because the homeowner videoed the entire encounter. It's enraging to watch.

[@user-id6zf5yp2l]

It’s an injustice to every homeowner that a LOOPHOLE EVER EXISTED!!!

[@metalrooves3651]

theres a silly law in missouri called ADVERSE POSSESSION...that lets someone mowing and maintaining a property for 5 years.....get this,,,lets them take that property!,,,our laws are so weak!

[@WhiskeyNixon]

Squatters rarely occupy homes. A person can only have one home. Squatters, like every squatter shown in this video, generally occupy houses. A house is not a home. A home is occupied. I'm not just playing semantics. This is a legal distinction, one every landlord here is familiar with. Landlords love getting sympathy from people who forget they are a business, profiting off of land at everyone else's expense. Now, we have to pay even more to secure their vacant properties. Figure out who your friends actually are.

[@WhiskeyNixon]

​@@metalrooves3651 Brighter minds than yours have already determined adverse possession is an important tool. Namely, the Supreme Court of the United States. Furthermore, adverse possession has evolved from common law, that taken from the British. It's been a part of human culture for centuries on centuries. Are you really so sure of yourself as to decry hundreds of years of legal precedent? It's also a little more complex than what you describe, requiring the possession to be open and not secretive. Basically, if you take a property, and make it obvious that you took it, AND then the entity, being reasonably expected to know you took it, then does nothing, (for years and years, up to 20 in some jurisdictions), why SHOULDN'T it be the yours? People have to assert their claims, or the reasonable conclusion is they don't want to. Why should we have to pay to secure a property no one is using, while someone else is ready to use it? Laws like these are what prevent individuals from gobbling up land and then forcing everyone else to pay the price. Don't you think?

[@Foolish188]

@@WhiskeyNixon They DO take over homes. And trying to stay in a rental after the lease is up is very different than moving into someone else's house without permission. Don't confuse the two.

[@georgeplagianos6487]

​@@WhiskeyNixonhow could you say the problem with from somebody else's expense that's what squatters are doing.. profiting from land? What are you saying if someone's paying all the bills water heat taxes mortgage ECT somebody should break in or stop paying rent and live forever? That is the real story.

[@blackvq3759]

Finally a law that makes sense ✊🏽‼️

[@candicane1]

Finally, the homeowners have rights to their own homes! It’s about time!

[@lewisbale1]

I know right

[@ask-tek3413]

In THAT state!

[@ezrathing]

​@@ask-tek3413 In Florida, too!

[@johnsondavies2029]

Homeowners have the "rights " to THEIR OWN HOMES!

[@AndrewBurbo-zw6pf]

homeowners never had rights, but more of these buildings are owned by corporations so now things are getting done

[@leer.watson4673]

This is like someone taking your seat at a restaurant while you’re in the bathroom and eating your dinner. To make matters worse, you still have to pay the bill. Absolute insanity.

[@pellabologna]

not really, since landlords just sit on properties A closer analogy would be that you ordered food, payed, then left the resturant, and someone else eats the food before it rots.

[@user-kx7zh7qo1i]

Perfect analogy

[@Davee-lr7ol]

@@pellabologna if you purchase property it's yours to do with what you please. Just because it's vacant doesn't give bums the right to use it rent free. IT'S NOT THEIR PROPERTY. PERIOD

[@cheesecakefan4880]

They should be in prison

[@BearBig70]

​@@pellabolognaIf someone else pays for something, it theirs, PERIOD! More importantly, it's NOT YOURS. Now go get a job, and own something. If you want to give it away, that also is your choice. See, eazy peazy!

[@scheherazadedennis7487]

It is about time something is being done.Justice should prevail.

[@gigicollins3498]

You can tell how glad that policeman is of this law change, so that he can do his job.

[@jennywinget1144]

All states need to do this.

[@coldskoolbeatz]

This should be a federal law!

[@DeeGee-mv6eq]

Not as long as democrats are in there.

[@cjmuniz12]

@@DeeGee-mv6eqRight, Marxist Democrats don’t believe in. Private property

[@apap1586]

Democrats will never do it . It's usually their voters committing these crimes.

[@FoodNTravel1234]

I believe FL was the first one to change the law about a month ago. Exactly, all states must change this stupid law. I doubt if Blue states will, though.

[@bbrcummins1984]

Back in the day this would have lasted about 5 minutes

[@icemancometh1621]

Damn straight! And the garden would be very productive the following growing season.

[@scottystiffchicken]

@@icemancometh1621Love you man!

[@jr-xs9tf]

​@@icemancometh1621The old Triple S Technique........shoot..shovel..shut up.

[@codeman3640]

Great news for GA homeowners! Awesome

[@markstewart4501]

Back in the day, I didn't know how bad the greed in this country would become. TODAY, I wouldn't see a problem with the poor taking down the greed a notch or two. I have some very cheap suggestions.

[@Civ5forlife-td7hy]

this needs to be a FEDERAL law. Must show a lease, if lease is fraudulent 1 year in prison for 1st offense. Additional 5 years for each subsequent offense. If no lease shown, then evicted on the spot, arrested and criminally cited, and 2nd offense 1 year in prison. Stop letting criminals steal peoples homes.

[@MichaelTravnikar]

SO HAPPY TO HEAR ABOUT THIS NEW LAW!!! It's needed in all 50 States...

[@vanessak69]

Absolutely. Yet another thing taken to a ridiculous extreme.

[@cynthiawilson5066]

Absolutely

[@williamdean3940]

Say what you want to but the feds need to change the law first

[@missme2466]

Florida has the new law also

[@brandonberry9487]

I mean lol this is only happening in the southern states Midwest and above aren't this dumb to allow a law like that to even be made

[@susanhurst3292]

I'm glad to hear them say no fake lease and receipts today!

[@h_3_x_]

what are u talking about do u know the difference between sqaUTTING AND TRESSPASSING. squatyting is living in a home that is vacant and trespassing is in a home that is lived in. shut up kid and read a book 15.1 million vacant homes and 653,000 homeless people as rent rises we are being lied too. this is BlackRock propaganda

[@streetlegalsprintcar]

100% ❤

[@OMEGATECH]

Me Too!!!

[@veryslyfox]

the police just made a family homeless.... great use of taxpayer money!

[@Kenna198]

& “pass the word around” lol

[@Sammasambuddha]

So three days to destroy the house? Great!

[@williamwilson6499]

I always found it crazy that if a person breaks into a home but then leaves, they can be arrested. But if someone breaks in and doesn’t leave, they have special rights to remain.

[@DeborahThird-og1uo]

Makes your head spin 🤪

[@AngelAPAVLOVSCornDog]

Merica🤪

[@fabianmckenna8197]

Even worse that they are allowed to stay, clear the place of valuables then totally trash it before leaving with no charges brought!

[@bobroberts2371]

Squatters are twisting laws that PROTECT legitimate renters that have a lease. This was to prevent a land lord from throwing someone out of a property with out giving notice.

[@jrbenson810]

Listen they can only stay if they are able to explain why they are "legally" allowed to stay....

[@SweetJustice]

How can it be a civil matter when a criminal broke into your house to stay there?

[@TheEvox81]

All of the windows are intact. The doors aren't kicked in. They have a key to the lock on the door and an official looking lease saying they have a right to be there. Prove that they broke in. Everyone on the outside looking in always thinks these situations are black and white, but it seldom is for a law enforcement officer who's had 15 minutes to evaluate the situation.

[@utlord]

@@TheEvox81 Really? i wonder how does it work in other countries where you cant squat and get expelled from the property in an instant. Must be better police officers by your logic.

[@morningstar8187]

@@utlord which countries are those? Pretty much every western country has some form of squatters rights that require you to go through a legal eviction if you can’t prove they broke in.

[@user-vl8qw8hp1g]

​@@TheEvox81 IF you understand the touchdown rule in football, the B&E laws are much the same. IF you break the plane of the door and you are not the owner of the property and you have no permission or legal reason to enter the property, then you have committed breaking and entering. It doesn't matter how you gain entry.

[@russellmz]

​​@@user-vl8qw8hp1gexcept, as mentioned before, the squatter will be showing the officer a fake lease. and his stuff will be moved into the house by then.

[@giraffesinc.2193]

Way to go, Georgia!!

[@backwoodsliving8794]

One for we the people! Thank you Georgia lawmakers!

[@ericjohnson7632]

I love it!!!! Now the real property owner doesn't have to go to court and waste money and time trying to evict a thief from a illegally possessed property. This law is a win for the property owner.

[@RodNubianKing]

I AGREE! FINALLY! 👏🏾

[@techmouse.]

A thief? What did they steal? Your house is still there, right? Or did they put it on their back and walk off with it? You're just mad because you weren't making as much money as you feel you were entitled to. It obviously costs like nothing for the house to stay empty otherwise you would lower the rent and stop discriminating so a real tenant can move in. Squatters are what you get for leaving it empty for so long. You did this to yourself. Get a real job, moldlord.

[@xxdesertstorm]

they should have allowed property owners the right to do what they want to squatters as many department need to look the other way with junkies as squatters are homeless junkies

[@kellycarver2500]

WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD PRIVATE PROPERT LAWS and we need to KEEP THEM, no matter what we need to do for it. Watch my sheriffs alert and get it to YOURS.

[@shawncosmos5431]

Agreed. Decades ago in Florida ( think thats the right state) This guy had moved and his very nice house was on the market. He checked on it regularly and the next thing he knows theres a group of really nasty people living in it. He called LE but had to get a lawyer and go through an eviction process that cost him a bundle. That situation has stuck in my mind ever since. I achieved a life long dream and purchased a true log cabin in the mountains. I don’t rent it out. If I pulled in and found thugs in my home LE isn’t getting called.. Not getting caught up in that bs..

[@susansusan6612]

HOW was committing several crimes NOT a criminal matter !?!? 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

[@otrarto]

Huge turnout here among law and order types who believe laws they don't like aren't real.

[@alexalexandersen5198]

😂Ask Israel squatters

[@CBe-ot8vu]

These idiots didn't show the world that people squat on private properties. This has been happening for 2 decades before you losers did anything

[@locklear308]

@@alexalexandersen5198 lmfao, doesn't apply to countries dog. Get over yourself. Any country can take any land they want, if they want.

[@mykeride]

I'm not an apologist for squatters, but here is the rationale behind how police handled it before (and how most police still handle it in other states). In cases of actual squatting, crimes are committed making it a criminal matter (B&E, criminal trespass, etc. as have been mentioned). But the issue is that the police are not often in a good position to make that determination. When they show up, there's a property owner who says "these are squatters", and there are people saying "I'm a tenant and he is trying to illegally evict me". There are landlords that do try to illegally evict people, including denying that they are tenants. And since it's just a he-said/she-said situation, there's not an easy way for the police to know which situation they're dealing with. This leaves the best way for them to deal with it being to instruct the parties to go to court to settle it, because "status quo" is the least harm to everyone in the interim. Once there's a judgement, then the police don't have to be the arbiters and can just be the enforcers. With the new method of enforcement, it is only a matter of time before we see a lawsuit from a landlord performing a truly-illegal eviction by weaponizing this new law and lying about someone being a squatter. If I were a renter there, I would be secretly recording every interaction with the landlord (Georgia is a one-party consent state, so it's legal to do so).

[@Vietnamthwcountryhuman]

Who wrote the squatters law in the first place? All they did was redefine the definition of squatter to make it a criminal offense.

[@poshy9645]

New York need to take note. I know people who lost their houses over this because tenant simply refuses to pay, and he could no longer afford his mortgage. NY State would rather you loses your property. Disgusting

[@4KindnessGal]

Good for Georgia! Protect homeowners not criminals!

[@destinyreturns4885]

If only CA were this smart.

[@VSES-99293]

NY need to do the same

[@kaylee3867]

confused are these people really just breaking into vacant homes and getting keys made for new living vks and living there I find that hard to believe or are they lease holders but have not paid rent and are going to the eviction process and not paying so that makes them a squatter I find it hard to believe they would risk going to jail for burglary though it seems

[@4KindnessGal]

@@kaylee3867 Well believe it. Because it’s true, but don’t take my word for it just google squatters or problem with squatters.

[@nancybirrer9844]

How is it car theft is a crime but in most states squatters can enter a person's house and put up a fight to stay?

[@bamahama707]

But is that fight legal?

[@toolittletoolate]

Housing matters are civil issues. Police do not have authority on civil issues unless given so by a higher form of government. This is why you have to do through the eviction process before you can get the Sherif to come change the locks and kick people out for you. It's also a line of protection against shitty scumbag slumlords who would abuse the system and their tenants even further given the chance. If we didn't have rights like exist they could just take your money and kick you out and you'd have no recourse for it at all. They could just take your money and have the cops drag you away. Use your head for a minute and realize how things have to work for everyone.

[@xxdesertstorm]

why fight them when they could be not a problem, people forget there is a grey area in the removal of said squatters

[@gibbygibbons5835]

they want us to own nothing and be happy

[@cookiemama4]

​@@xxdesertstorm There is no gray area. If it belongs to someone else, you have no right to even walk through the doors! That's called breaking and entering. They are breaking the law! Whatever stupid laws they put in place to "protect" squatters, was put in place for only one group of people. Let's send the squatters to the homes of everyone involved in making laws against home owners, and FOR home thieves! They can at least put up a tent in their yard!

[@sunnybrucci3453]

About time they’re enforcing some type of law against them. Awesome.

[@samiam1964]

This needs to happen across the country.

[@andrewg5672]

This new LAW kicked the squatter out twice then IMMEDIATELY released her twice in less than 3 weeks. She is probably in another empty home

[@The_guy_on_the_internet]

well at least the homeowners can get their property back a lot quicker now

[@4KindnessGal]

If they keep running her off and she will eventually have to go a squatter friendly state. ALL STATES need to take a stand for home owners NOT the criminals! Don’t you think so?

[@kishascape]

@@4KindnessGal except for california. let them suffer in what they voted for.

[@tim3172]

@@kishascape "Suffer" in the fifth largest economy on earth? "Suffer" in the state that is so highly-desired that rent and housing is out of control? "Suffer" in, by far, the most prosperous state in the US? The only people "suffering" are the repukes there who refuse to leave.

[@timchamberlin9280]

@@The_guy_on_the_internet Homeowners have been dealing with this for years. The government didn't get involved until corporations started buying properties, and it affected them.

[@phillipsmall7674]

A citation and 3 days to present a valid lease! No, they should be kicked out and arrested immediately!

[@liamrodriguez6269]

This is like a red flag law for your house. Is that really what's best for the people?

[@mnn1265]

You really want anyone to be able to accuse you of squatting and the police immediately throw your crap out on the street? What if it's is your home, then what? Still want that to happen? The law could be used to seriously harass and cause people financial ruin if that was allowed... remember, you'd have no way to prove to the cops it's your house since they don't have records.

[@robertsmith2956]

@@liamrodriguez6269 No, just the opposite. The house FINALLY has required court protections. You HAD red flag leases where you couldn't get a hearing.

[@todayslist37737]

Why is there no copy of the lease in your home (if you really have one)?

[@liamrodriguez6269]

@@todayslist37737 Not everyone has their documents in order, what everyone does have is other things to do than go to court. What if a guy's incapacitated in the hospital & somebody says he doesn't own his house, now we have to hope the guy knows someone he can trust in his home who can find it in 3 days, or else has a great lawyer because if the document looks good they might find in favor of the other person by default, something like 95 to 98% of criminal cases never make it to trial because the prosecution makes the suspect plea out. Left or right, we all can agree courts as a whole don't apply the law evenly. Since this is a magistrate issue this law could easily end up being like a private-use version of eminent domain that's weaponized against the most vulnerable of our society. As I keep tabs on this issue I find it gravely disturbing how eager some people are to invite police to almost freely kick people out of their homes. They still aren't going to listen to you if you say it's yours, they'll still say "settle it in court", the difference now is that they'll assume (or just say, even) that you are a squatter and haul you off to jail.

[@Cflick3]

Now every other state needs to do this

[@JohnSmith-mw3hr]

Finally! It was ridiculous that squatters had more rights then home owners.

[@anniedoddle]

I think it's great that Georgia has this new law. All states should do this.

[@Rad_Brad813]

so how are they going to decide who is telling the truth? Are we seriously leaving it up the the officers to determine?? I see many lawsuits in the future, once squatters realize the cops just made it easier for them. Used to be, the house needed to be vacant for squatters to move in. With this new law, it seems all one has to do is forge a lease, and call the cops claiming to live there, and they will come clear it for you.

[@scottmichaels6854]

No, some states already arrest these idiots for "Breaking and Entering" and kick them out immediately! Georgia's laws are so lenient that even with this new law, all they do is kick them out and give them a citation. That's pathetic!

[@scottkinney8669]

@@Rad_Brad813 I'm not sure what you are saying here.

[@blalesnail3098]

I don't see a reason to treat a home invader who breaks into your house when you aren't home any differently than one who breaks in when you're asleep in your bed. Defend your property and call the cops for cleanup.

[@mybraineatseverything7404]

Yup! And quite honestly, that's pretty much all the cops are good for anymore anyway.

[@suemitchel-runow3566]

If u aren't their, then u are not in personally in peral, so it won't be the same

[@Su-Jo]

☝️Looks like suemitchel is a squatter too! Hope you go to jail!

[@Stambo59]

@@suemitchel-runow3566 So if you walk in on a squatter after being away for a few days you should just leave them be?

[@rmf9567]

​@@suemitchel-runow3566why don't you just tell us all that you don't own any property and you have nothing. 🤡🤡🤡

[@djkk464]

Why dont we (law/gov) Fix this problem. Homelessness is in the Greatest country in the world.

[@AZQuadRunner]

Kudos to the South Fulton PD for taking action on this new law. This squatting is costing homeowners a lot of money and needs to end.

[@CodeGr88n]

'nope nope nope, thats over with....yall can pass the word around' the cop dropping FACTS

[@markstewart4501]

Cops are just enforcing your greed. Clearly you have put the housing of people UNDER protecting your greed.

[@Anna_Stetik]

That cop was making me laugh. He wasn't taking any BS.

[@Msspinnerb8]

Was looking for this comment.

[@ells80]

😂😂😂😂

[@shawnkurtti3902]

EVERY FREEKIN STATE NEEDS THIS LAW!!! Tooo many years they do as they want and takeover homes and possessions without and consequences!!!

[@aboogie797]

That’s how they got the land to begin with. 😌

[@selfesteem3447]

​@@aboogie797How ironic and yes very good point. Straight facts.

[@selfesteem3447]

And sometimes Squatters totally destroying homes to where they have to be leveled.

[@tbell97]

Now we know what Native Americans felt like....

[@anthonymorris4211]

Doesn't seem like much consequence. But it's something.

[@MargaretAnderson-ti1sw]

Should be immediately arrested.

[@oldphart-zc3jz]

THANK YOU REPORTERS! Keep at it. Subscribed.

[@maryohare4141]

There should be a class action lawsuit against the courts for NOT UPHOLDING OWNERS' RIGHTS!

[@glennr9913]

If I ever find squatters in my homes they'll be discussing their options with a surgeon.

[@SirCavemaninthewest]

And collection agencies

[@nightrider2k6]

left nut or right nut, make a decision.. make a decision..

[@conscious258]

That's exactly what's going to happen

[@NeilHoward-kp2gc]

You will do what most folks do…call the police. Please stop with the Rambo tactics.🤔🤦🏼🤫🤡

[@shoechew]

I have news for you, Kneel, not everyone is a coward who needs other men to handle their business

[@305Alligator]

It took too long ‼️ Many people lost their homes because they couldn't get squatters out. Breaking and entering should be a Felony charge

[@rmf9567]

This is what happens when you import the third world into a high trust society they take advantage of our laws

[@mechanicundercontract7752]

Common sense laws…Now every state needs to follow!!!

[@thomashastings5286]

About effing time. Make it a federal law.

[@StaccatoRedFox]

Enter your home-see a stranger-fear for your life-you can figure it out from there

[@dianab9688]

Right idea. We'll see whose paperwork is valid later.

[@Hiphop_Love]

You will be charged

[@maxxcarver5502]

​@@Hiphop_LoveEspecially in a blue state!

[@jamesslick4790]

@@Hiphop_Love I'm charged with my friend Mr.Browning.

[@noname72390]

@@Hiphop_Love only if you let them arrest you for protecting your home otherwise treat the police the same as the squatter.

[@jmash7751]

Every state needs to get on board with this, ASAP! I cannot imagine going through such a nightmare.

[@meaghanorlinski8464]

The people who got scammed? Yeah. This woman’s kids are suffering. Why is a faceless corporation owned by shareholders who live all over the world given more rights to a home than a US citizen?

[@BASH953]

Exactly

[@maryohare4141]

This should be a FEDERAL LAW FOR HOMEOWNERS/PROPERTY OWNERS THRU OUT USA!

[@catherinecastelli9105]

Never understood how a criminal trespasser has any rights at all

[@elhoward7440]

They don't. They claimed to be tenants, and police weren't empowered to decide they weren't.

[@NoName-rl3fh]

Undraftable Americans that vote.

[@scottmichaels6854]

@@elhoward7440Well if the homeowner goes to the police and says that these people broke into their home, the people should be arrested. It's pretty easy to prove ownership of a house and prove that your lease signature is forged. People get arrested on suspicion of crimes all the time. If they truly have a legit lease then they can prove it in court and they will get financially compensated, but the homeowner who doesn't want someone in their house should be able to kick them out.

[@gerogefinkle4764]

This needs to be enacted Nationwide!!!

[@PrincessPri03]

They act like it's a new thing no one has heard before that they can't figure out

[@cmrs521]

Leases need to be notarized, and that has to be a law to protect renters. But if u don't have a notarized lease you need to go instantly. No rights period

[@orbs1062]

#1 How could this not already have been illegal? #2 They should be arrested for breaking & entering. #3 The homeowner should be allowed to sell their crap at a yard sale.

[@valleygrl1]

I still don't understand how, if I own a home and someone is in my locked home without my permission, this isn't break and enter?

[@reh3884]

Because, all they have to say (at least in my state) is "I'm a tenant!" and it becomes a civil matter and the police can't do anything.

[@conscious258]

​@reh3884 then the 🚑 will come get them

[@clmhK5]

Very old protection for squatters. This law is how white settlers were able to take land from Native Americans

[@conscientiousobserver8772]

@@reh3884 I really think cops lack the time, resources, and inclination to conduct a thorough investigation. Saw a vid where a woman tried to remove so-called squatters. They had a lease, but she had a deed. A 20-year-old deed. Cops sided with the woman even though the property had been sold several times over. The new tenants had to produce the updated documents before they could return to their property. In a perfect world, there would be a real-estate division in police departments.

[@spoodlydoodler3552]

​@@clmhK5that's not correct at all. Do your research and don't spread lies.

[@amaraland1]

GREAT TO HEAR! Finally something being done about the criminals!

[@samanthaburd586]

About time and I hope this goes to all states!!!!

[@fortunate14t48]

This is like going to the grocery store and EATING what you want and STAYING.

[@tracigreen4786]

Tougher penalties? Last time I checked, there were no penalties for squatters. Just for the owner of the property. Which makes ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE !

[@aaronmontgomery2055]

There were, it was civil penalties. It just those people were generally to broke to get anything from them.

[@markstewart4501]

The tiktok: tell me how its all about the "me me me me" without telling me its about the "me me me me". LMAO. I am absolutely shocked the 4-5 past decades that wages haven't followed inflation...just snuck up me!!!! No really really...my hamburgers should be made for me by people living in tents, or teenagers that shouldn't be going to high school...am I RIGHT? Totally right. hmmm, children are spoiled. Eating out of the garbage during lunch and picking clothes from the pile of year end PE class taught me about greed. Dad shouldn't of had that pancreas problem at 34 and 4 kids, it cost him/wife/kids millions...and I am NO victim. ME ME ME ME.

[@cherylholmes9636]

I was renting from someone who rented the house, posed as the owner. Used the rent money for a down payment on her own house. I never knew until she texted me that I had two weeks to vacate. I went to court to learn the landlord had no knowledge of me. All of my rent payments went to the person who falsely rented to me. She had more than 1 house she was falsely renting as her own. I rented through a legal way. I'm glad this law is in place, it means renters will have a better chance of not being scammed from the start.

[@randallsmerna384]

Did you not pay attention to this? The Georgia legislature changed the law making it possible for police to get involved instead of leaving it to the civil Court!

[@randallsmerna384]

​@@cherylholmes9636Do your due diligence and do a background check on the landlord as well as the property through the county clerk.

[@flexie50]

All states needs to enforce this law

[@yamosuki]

I'm surprised that the squatters didn't try pulling the race card for not allowing them to squat.

[@Burn594]

Thank you for doing what needed to be done! The real victims are the homeowners, not the squatters.

[@AirForceFalcons_9922]

It's about darn time. Pass this law in all 50 states and DC.

[@casey0613]

This is great. So happy to know that Georgia is following Florida’s example and putting a stop to this criminal trespass giving the rights back to the actual owners of these properties. Couldn’t have happened at a better time. Cannot wait see who’s next?

[@ifixeditmyself1926]

How in the world can somebody squat in your house?