What is Squatting?

Squatting defines the act of occupying homes, apartments, buildings, or land without any legal right to the property. Squatting is typically found in less-affluent areas, where high foreclosure rates and unoccupied buildings offer a convenient place to live for people who do not have the means or desire to pursue legal occupancy of a dwelling.

Squatters are commonly associated with urban decay and are usually found in urban areas. Depending on the city, state, and country, squatting is usually considered either a crime or a civil conflict. For more information on real estate terminology, contact an Austin real estate professional of the Carvajal Group at 512-419-7770.

Squatting Laws

Squatting is often considered to be a different matter than trespassing. This is usually defined by the person’s intent and operation. If a person forces entry onto a property, it is usually considered to be trespassing. In states where squatting is considered a civil matter, the owner usually has to follow eviction procedures to remove squatters from his or her property. The owner typically has to prove ownership of the property and must legally file to have the squatters removed.

In some states, squatting on a property for a significant amount of time may result in “de facto” ownership of a property. If squatters have occupied a property for a certain amount of time, they may be considered the “de facto” owners and have a legal claim to the property.

Contact Us

For more information on real estate terms or for help with an Austin home search, call the real estate professionals of the Carvajal Group at 512-419-7770 today.