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From 21st District State Representative Lowell
Russell.
Lawmakers Approve Bill
Protecting Property Owners from Squatters
The House chamber passed legislation protecting
Tennessee homeowners from squatters through an established and
expedited removal process.
Squatting is
the illegal practice of occupying a property without the owner’s
lawful permission. Although squatters have no rights in
Tennessee, when this happens a property owner must initiate a
judicial eviction.
“Home ownership is the American dream for
many, the foundation for building wealth and raising a
family,” said bill sponsor State Rep. Tim Rudd,
RMurfreesboro. “This is proactive legislation that protects
property owners but also deters bad actors who
have learned to exploit the law and terrorize
homeowners. This creates a streamlined process for
Tennesseans to quickly take back control over what is
rightfully theirs.”
House Bill 1259 co-sponsored by State Rep.
Lowell Russell, R-Vonore, removes much of the burden from
legitimate property owners by establishing a clear process
for law enforcement to restore possession. It can expedite
the removal of illegal occupants in as little as 72 hours.
The legislation also clarifies that the sheriff may arrest
the trespassers.
It currently can take up to two years to
remove an illegal squatter and can cost a property owner
thousands of dollars in legal fees, lost revenue, and
property repairs. Russell said, I appreciate the people from
the 21st District suggesting this legislation. It originally
was intended on being ran in 2025, however a bill was on
file that could be amended to run this year. This is a
perfect example of staying involved with your legislators.”
The companion version of House Bill 1259 is still advancing through the Senate. If approved, the new law would take effect July 1. |
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4/29/24