MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama Legislature on Thursday gave final passage to a bill that increases the penalties for illegally taking up residence in someone else’s residence and makes it easier for owners to have squatters removed.
House Bill 182, sponsored by Rep. Craig Lipscomb, R-Gadsden, gives a property owner the ability to have an individual removed by law enforcement after 24 hours of signing a sworn affidavit.
The bill increases the penalties for individuals who illegally enter a residence they do not own and creates a new crime for entering a property and causing $1,000 or more in damage. That would be a Class C felony, which is punishable in Alabama by one to 10 years in prison.
“Large cities and metropolitan areas across the county have recently experienced an epidemic of squatters who seek to live rent free in properties they do not own and to which they have no legal rights or access,” Lipscomb said in a written statement. “This legislation provides Alabama property owners with a strong measure of protection that helps inoculate them from this epidemic and ensures they do not fall victim to this unfortunate national trend.”
The Alabama Association of Realtors provided input on the bill. Jeremy Walker, the association’s CEO, said it’s heard of instances of squatting in rural parts of the state, including hunting camps and vacation homes.
“It hasn’t become as widespread as we’ve seen in some other states, but we certainly want to get ahead of this issue,” Walker told Alabama Daily News on Thursday.
Sen. Chris Elliot, R-Josephine, carried the bill in the Senate. He said the bill is specific to squatters and will not affect anyone with “landlord-tenant relationships.”
The bill also increases the punishment for presenting a falsified document that purports to be a binding lease, deed or other instrument authorizing ownership or occupancy. There are penalties for falsifying an affidavit, too.
If signed by the governor, the bill would become effective on June 1.
Alabama Daily News’ Mary Sell contributed to this report.