Squatters’ Rights by State: Adverse Possession and Removal

How long adverse possession takes in 51 states, what the statutes require, and which states let law enforcement remove a squatter without an eviction case.

By Seayora Editorial Team · Published · Facts checked · 26 min read

Short answer: “Squatters’ rights” is the everyday name for adverse possession: a person who occupies land without permission can gain title only after the period a state’s statute sets, from 5 years in California, Montana and Nevada to 30 in Louisiana and New Jersey among the 51 jurisdictions read for this guide. Until then the occupant has no claim to the title. How an owner removes one differs by state: 16 states let law enforcement remove one without an eviction case, and elsewhere it takes a court case.

Key takeaways

  • A squatter gains title only after the full statutory period, which runs from 5 to 30 years in the states covered here.
  • Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah also require the occupant to have paid the property taxes.
  • New York’s statute says a squatter is not a tenant, and removal takes a ten-day notice to quit and a court proceeding.
  • Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming have a faster route: law enforcement removes an unauthorized occupant without an eviction case, once the owner makes the statement the statute requires.
  • A former tenant who stays after a lease ends is a holdover tenant, not a squatter, and the eviction rules apply.

What are squatters’ rights?

There is no statute called “squatters’ rights”. The phrase refers to adverse possession, the rule that an owner who does not act to recover land within a set number of years can lose it to the person occupying it. New York’s statute lists what that occupancy must be: “adverse, under claim of right, open and notorious, continuous, exclusive, and actual” (RPAPL § 501). Each state sets its own period and its own conditions, and until the period has fully run the occupant has no claim to the title.

How long does adverse possession take in each state?

Adverse possession periods in 51 jurisdictions, each read from the statute cited. Select a state for its full answer.
StatePeriodStatute
Alabama10 years, with a recorded deed or the land listed for taxesAla. Code §§ 6-5-200, 6-2-33; Ala. Code §§ 35-9B-2, 35-9B-3, 35-9B-9
Alaska10 years, only for a good-faith boundary mistakeAlaska Stat. §§ 09.45.052, 09.10.030
Arizona10 yearsA.R.S. §§ 12-526, 12-523, 12-525; A.R.S. §§ 12-1173, 33-1378
Arkansas7 years, with color of title and taxes paidArk. Code §§ 18-11-106, 18-61-101
California5 years, with taxes paidCal. Code Civ. Proc. § 325
Colorado18 yearsC.R.S. §§ 38-41-101, 38-41-108; C.R.S. § 13-40.1-101
Connecticut15 yearsConn. Gen. Stat. § 52-575
Delaware20 years10 Del. C. §§ 7901, 7902, 7903
District of Columbia15 yearsD.C. Code §§ 12-301, 16-3301
Florida7 years, with taxes paidFla. Stat. §§ 82.036, 95.18
Georgia20 yearsO.C.G.A. §§ 44-5-163, 44-11-30
Hawaii20 yearsHaw. Rev. Stat. §§ 657-31, 669-1
Idaho20 years, with taxes paidIdaho Code §§ 5-203, 5-210; Idaho Code § 6-310A
Illinois20 years735 ILCS 5/13-101, 5/13-109, 5/13-110; 735 ILCS 5/9-102
Indiana10 years, with taxes paidInd. Code §§ 34-11-2-11, 32-21-7-1, 32-21-7-2; Ind. Code §§ 32-31-12-2, 32-31-12-3, 32-31-12-4, 32-31-12-5, 32-31-12-8
Iowa10 yearsIowa Code § 614.1(5); Iowa Code §§ 648.1(1), 648.3(1), 648.5(1)
Kansas15 yearsK.S.A. 60-503; K.S.A. 58-5401, 58-5403, 58-5404, 58-5407
Kentucky15 yearsKRS 413.010; KRS 413.060; KRS 383.290
Louisiana30 yearsLa. Civ. Code art. 3486; La. Civ. Code art. 3475; La. Civ. Code art. 3487; La. R.S. 14:63; La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 3601; La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 3603
Maine20 years14 M.R.S. §§ 801, 810-A, 815; 14 M.R.S. §§ 6001, 6003
Maryland20 yearsMd. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-103; Md. Code, Real Prop. § 14-132
Massachusetts20 yearsM.G.L. c. 260, § 21
Michigan15 yearsMCL 600.5801; MCL 600.5714, 600.5711, 600.2918, 750.553
Minnesota15 yearsMinn. Stat. § 541.02; Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.301, 504B.281
Mississippi10 yearsMiss. Code §§ 15-1-13, 15-1-15; Miss. Code § 89-10-3
Missouri10 yearsMo. Rev. Stat. § 516.010; Mo. Rev. Stat. § 534.602
Montana5 years, with taxes paidMont. Code §§ 70-19-404, 70-19-410, 70-19-411; Mont. Code §§ 70-24-113, 45-6-206
Nebraska10 yearsNeb. Rev. Stat. § 25-202; Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 25-21,219, 25-21,220, 25-21,221
Nevada5 years, with taxes paidNRS 11.080, 11.140, 11.150, 40.090; NRS 40.240, 40.412, 40.414
New Hampshire20 yearsRSA 508:2; RSA 540-A:3, 540-A:4
New Jersey30 yearsN.J.S.A. 2A:14-30
New Mexico10 years, with color of title and taxes paidN.M. Stat. § 37-1-22; N.M. Stat. §§ 35-10-1, 35-10-3
New York10 yearsN.Y. RPAPL §§ 501, 711, 713; CPLR § 212
North Carolina20 yearsN.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 1-40, 1-38; N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-159.50, 14-159.51, 14-159.52
North Dakota20 yearsN.D. Cent. Code §§ 28-01-04, 28-01-07, 47-06-03; N.D. Cent. Code §§ 47-32-01, 47-32-02, 12.1-22-03
Ohio21 yearsOhio Rev. Code § 2305.04; Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1923.02, 1923.04
Oklahoma15 years12 O.S. § 93; 60 O.S. § 333; 21 O.S. § 1354
Oregon10 years, with an honest belief of ownershipORS 105.620; ORS 12.050; ORS 91.140; ORS 105.115; ORS 90.100
Pennsylvania21 years42 Pa.C.S. § 5530; 42 Pa.C.S. § 5527.1
Rhode Island10 yearsR.I. Gen. Laws § 34-7-1
South Carolina10 yearsS.C. Code §§ 15-67-210, 15-3-340, 15-67-240, 15-67-250; S.C. Code §§ 27-37-210, 27-37-230, 27-37-270, 15-67-610
South Dakota20 yearsSDCL §§ 15-3-1, 15-3-7, 15-3-15; SDCL §§ 21-16-1, 21-16-6, 21-16-7
Tennessee7 yearsTenn. Code §§ 28-2-103, 28-2-101, 28-2-110; Tenn. Code § 29-18-135
Texas10 yearsTex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.026; Tex. Prop. Code §§ 24.001, 24.005
Utah7 years, with taxes paidUtah Code §§ 78B-2-214, 78B-2-212, 78B-2-213, 78B-2-204; Utah Code § 78B-6-817
Vermont15 years12 V.S.A. § 501; 32 V.S.A. § 5263; 12 V.S.A. § 4853b
Virginia15 yearsVa. Code § 8.01-236; Va. Code § 8.01-126
Washington10 yearsRCW 4.16.020; RCW 7.28.070; RCW 9A.52.105; RCW 9A.52.115
West Virginia10 yearsW. Va. Code § 55-2-1; W. Va. Code §§ 55-3C-3, 55-3C-2
Wisconsin20 yearsWis. Stat. §§ 893.25, 893.26, 893.27; Wis. Stat. §§ 175.403, 943.14
Wyoming10 yearsWyo. Stat. § 1-3-103; Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1402

Does a squatter become a tenant after 30 days in New York?

No. Since 2024, New York’s eviction statute says “A tenant shall not include a squatter,” and defines a squatter as a person who enters or intrudes on real property without the permission of the person entitled to possession and keeps occupying it without title, right or permission (RPAPL § 711). The thirty days in that section concerns residents of hotels and rooming houses. An owner still may not remove a squatter by force: the statute provides a special proceeding in court, brought after a ten-day notice to quit (RPAPL § 713).

How does an owner remove a squatter?

In most states an owner uses the ordinary court process for recovering possession. 40 of the states read for this guide have a statute that deals with squatters or intruders by name. In Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming, law enforcement can remove an unauthorized occupant without an eviction case, once the owner makes the statement the statute requires.

States whose statutes name a removal route for an unauthorized occupant.
StateRouteWhat it takes
AlabamaRemoval by law enforcement, without an eviction caseUnder the squatting chapter Alabama enacted in 2024, the owner of a dwelling or the owner’s agent can give a law enforcement agency in the county a sworn affidavit asking it to remove an unauthorized individual who is not a tenant, a holdover tenant or an immediate family member of the owner, after first giving that person a notice to vacate. Once the agency verifies ownership and at least 24 hours have passed since it received the affidavit, it serves a notice to vacate immediately, and removing a squatter does not require an eviction action. The agency may charge a fee of up to $50 to process the affidavit.
ArizonaCourt proceedingArizona treats it as a forcible detainer when an unauthorized person who is unlawfully occupying a residential dwelling refuses to leave after a reasonable request from the owner or the owner’s agent, provided the property was not open to the public when the person entered, the person is not a current or former tenant, an immediate family member of the owner or someone who had an agreement to live there with the owner, and no litigation is pending between them. In that court action a writ of restitution is issued immediately after the court signs a judgment against the unauthorized person. Separately, a tenant’s guest who is not named on a written lease and who knowingly remains without the permission of the tenant or the landlord may be removed by a law enforcement officer at the request of the tenant or landlord entitled to possession.
ColoradoCourt proceedingThe owner of a residential premises, or the owner’s authorized agent, can ask the county court to remove an unauthorized person by filing a complaint and a verified motion for a temporary mandatory injunction, and the court must hold a hearing no later than the next court day after the motion is filed unless the owner asks for a later date. An unauthorized person is someone occupying an uninhabited or vacant residential premises without any current or prior agreement or consent of the owner, and does not include a relative of the owner, a person the owner has accepted money or anything of value from, or a person previously given permission to enter and remain. If the court finds the occupant is an unauthorized person it issues a writ of restitution before the hearing ends, and a sheriff must remove the person no later than 24 hours after receiving the order.
FloridaRemoval by law enforcement, without an eviction caseA verified complaint to the county sheriff. It applies only to a residential dwelling, where the person entered unlawfully, the property was not open to the public, the owner has told the person to leave, the person is not a current or former tenant or an immediate family member, and no litigation over the property is pending.
GeorgiaRemoval by law enforcement, without an eviction caseA sworn affidavit that the affiant claims the right of possession in good faith and the occupant does not. An officer shows it to the occupant and turns the occupant out unless a counteraffidavit is filed. The 2024 Georgia Squatter Reform Act also made unlawful squatting a misdemeanor.
IdahoRemoval by law enforcement, without an eviction caseA property owner or the owner’s authorized agent may ask the county sheriff to immediately remove people unlawfully occupying a residential dwelling by submitting a verified complaint, made under penalty of perjury, when the occupants entered unlawfully and remain, were directed to leave, are not current or former tenants or immediate family members of the owner, the property was not open to the public when they entered, and no litigation over the property is pending. After verifying that the complainant is the record owner or the owner’s authorized agent, the sheriff must without delay serve a notice to immediately vacate on the occupants and put the owner in possession. A person wrongfully removed may sue to be restored to possession and to recover actual damages, statutory damages equal to triple the fair market rent, court costs, and attorney’s fees.
IllinoisCourt proceedingThe eviction article lets the person entitled to possession be restored to it through an eviction action when a forcible entry is made, when a peaceable entry is made and possession is unlawfully withheld, or when entry is made into vacant or unoccupied property without right or title. Since January 1, 2026, the same section also says that nothing in the eviction article prohibits law enforcement officials from enforcing criminal trespass or interferes with their ability to remove persons or property from the premises when there is a criminal trespass.
IndianaRemoval by law enforcement, without an eviction caseA property owner may sign an affidavit, subject to the penalties of perjury, stating that a squatter is occupying the property and has never had a rental agreement, the owner’s permission, or any other property interest allowing the occupancy, and give a copy to a law enforcement agency. The agency must dispatch officers to remove the squatter within 48 hours after receiving the affidavit, or as soon as practicable if it delays for reasons of public safety, and the officers remove the person unless they discover credible evidence that the person is not a squatter. A squatter does not include a person whose rental agreement has expired or who may have violated it, or an invitee, and a person removed on a knowingly false affidavit may sue the owner who signed it.
IowaCourt proceedingIowa’s summary forcible entry and detainer action is allowed where the defendant entered on another person’s prior actual possession of real property by force, intimidation, fraud, or stealth and keeps it. That ground does not require the three days’ written notice to quit that the other grounds do, and the court must set the hearing no later than eight days after the petition is filed, or fifteen days if the plaintiff requests or consents to a later date.
KansasRemoval by law enforcement, without an eviction caseUnder the removal of squatters act, in force since July 1, 2026, the owner of a dwelling unit or the owner’s agent may request removal of an unauthorized person by giving a notarized affidavit to a law enforcement agency in the county, stating that the person entered and is remaining unlawfully, is not a tenant or holdover tenant, was asked to vacate, and is not an immediate family member of the owner. After verifying that the affiant is the record owner or authorized agent, and at least 24 hours after receiving the affidavit, a law enforcement officer serves a notice on the unauthorized person to vacate the dwelling unit immediately. Occupancy by a squatter is excluded from the residential landlord tenant act, so removal does not require an eviction action under it, and a person wrongfully removed may sue the affiant for restored possession, damages, and triple the fair market rent.
KentuckyRemoval by law enforcement, without an eviction caseA property owner or authorized agent may ask a law enforcement officer to immediately remove a person unlawfully occupying real property by presenting a completed Petition to Remove Persons Unlawfully Occupying Real Property, if the person is not and never has been a tenant and never had an agreement to occupy, the property was not open to the public when the person entered, the owner directed the person to leave, the person is not an immediate family member of the owner, and no litigation over the property is pending. Once the petitioner’s identity is verified, the officer must without unnecessary delay serve a notice to immediately vacate on the occupants and put the owner in possession. A person wrongfully removed may sue the petitioner in District Court within 60 days after the removal.
LouisianaCourt proceedingLouisiana’s criminal trespass statute defines a squatter as any person who remains in or upon property to which the person lacks a right of possession, ownership, occupancy or a lease interest, and it is criminal trespass for a squatter to stay after a lawful possessor directs them to vacate verbally, by written notice or by posted signs. An owner may also ask a court for an injunction: the owner’s affidavit that a person with no legal interest in the property is denying the owner its use is enough for a temporary restraining order without notice, and no security is required.
MaineCourt proceedingMaine’s forcible entry and detainer statute lists, among the people the court process may be used against, a disseisor (a person holding land against its owner) who has not acquired any claim by possession and improvement. The District Court hears these cases and must hold the hearing no later than 10 days after the return day, unless it grants a continuance for good cause.
MarylandCourt proceedingA person who holds possession of real property without the right of possession commits wrongful detainer, and anyone claiming possession may file a written complaint in the District Court of the county where the property is located. The court must summon the occupant immediately and hold the hearing within 10 business days after the complaint is filed; if the complainant is entitled to possession, the court directs the sheriff or constable to deliver it. The procedure does not apply where a landlord-tenant remedy under Title 8 is available.
MichiganCourt proceedingMichigan’s summary proceedings to recover possession may be used when a person takes possession by forcible entry, holds possession by force after a peaceable entry, or comes into possession by trespass without color of title or other possessory interest. In those cases the owner may also enter the premises, and the owner’s actions do not count as unlawful interference with the occupant’s possession. Occupying a single-family home, or a unit in a two-family home, without ever having occupied it with the owner’s consent for an agreed payment is a crime: a misdemeanor for a first offense and a felony for a second.
MinnesotaCourt proceedingMinnesota’s eviction chapter allows an eviction action against a person who has unlawfully or forcibly occupied or taken possession of real property, or who unlawfully detains or retains possession of it. The same chapter provides that no person may occupy or take possession of real property except where the law allows it.
MississippiRemoval by law enforcement, without an eviction caseUnder the Real Property Owners Protection Act, in force from July 1, 2025, the owner or the owner’s agent files a sworn affidavit with local law enforcement, which must issue a citation to the alleged squatter no more than 24 hours later. If the person does not notify the municipal or justice court within three days of receiving the citation that they will contest it, they are subject to immediate removal by law enforcement and no writ of removal is required; if they do contest it, the court holds a hearing within seven days, and a person found to be a squatter must leave within 24 hours of the judgment. A squatter is a trespasser who remains on the premises, or a person invited by a tenant who stays after the tenant’s rental agreement has ended, and the term does not include a person with heirship rights.
MissouriCourt proceedingA property owner or the owner’s agent may file a verified petition in the county where the property is located to remove unlawful occupants: people who occupy or trespass on property containing a residential dwelling without the owner’s permission, with no legal right to occupy it and no tenant protections. For good cause shown in the petition the court must immediately issue an order to remove them before the other side is heard, a hearing follows within 48 hours of filing unless delayed for good cause, and the sheriff enforces the order by removing the occupants. A person removed without just cause may sue for restored possession, actual damages to personal property and $1,000 in statutory damages.
MontanaRemoval by law enforcement, without an eviction caseA person who cannot produce authorization to occupy a premises, such as a written rental agreement or the landlord’s written or verified verbal permission, is an unauthorized person or trespasser, and law enforcement may remove that person immediately at the request of the property owner or an authorized agent. Unlawful squatting, which is knowingly entering and residing on another person’s premises without consent, is a misdemeanor, and law enforcement may immediately remove a person who commits it. An owner or agent who knowingly gives false information in a removal request must indemnify the law enforcement agency for any damages awarded against it.
NebraskaCourt proceedingNebraska’s forcible entry and detainer law lets a person with the right of possession sue in county or district court to remove a settler or occupier of lands or tenements who has no color of title. A written notice to leave must be served at least three days before the action is filed. A court that finds an unlawful and forcible entry and holding, or an unlawful holding after a lawful entry, must restore possession to the person who brought the complaint.
NevadaCourt proceedingA person who enters real property without the owner’s authority and does not leave within 4 judicial days of a written notice to surrender commits forcible detainer, and the owner may then file an affidavit of complaint for eviction in justice or district court. If the occupant files no timely affidavit contesting it and the complaint shows sufficient evidence, the court must order the sheriff or constable to remove the occupant within 24 hours after the officer receives the order. When every known adult occupant of a dwelling has been arrested for housebreaking or unlawful occupancy and any minor occupants are in State custody, the owner may retake possession and change the locks, posting a written notice on the dwelling.
New HampshireCourt proceedingA person who is not a tenant, subtenant or implied tenant may not occupy residential real estate without the permission of the owner, landlord or their agent, and a landlord or an owner who does not rent the property out may petition the court over a violation, with a hearing to be held within 48 hours of service. If the court rules for the owner, it must order law enforcement to remove the unauthorized occupants immediately and award actual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater. An occupant who claims to be a subtenant or implied tenant has the burden of proving it.
New MexicoCourt proceedingA civil action for forcible entry or unlawful detainer can be filed against a person who entered and occupied another person’s land against the owner’s will or consent and refused to leave after notice from the owner or the owner’s agent or attorney. The summons must be returnable no fewer than 3 and no more than 10 days after it is served on the defendant. Questions of title are not decided in the action.
New YorkCourt proceedingA ten-day notice to quit, then a special proceeding in court. The statute says a squatter is not a tenant.
North CarolinaCourt proceedingA property owner or authorized representative may file an expedited removal complaint against an unauthorized person occupying residential property, meaning someone with no legal claim, rental agreement or contract for deed who has paid no rent and is not a tenant holding over. The sheriff must serve the summons and complaint within 24 hours of receiving them, and a magistrate must hold a hearing no more than 48 hours after service. An order for the owner must require the person to leave no more than four hours after the order is served.
North DakotaCourt proceedingAn eviction action can be brought in district court against a party who entered another person’s real property by force, intimidation, fraud or stealth and keeps possession of it. The summons must set the defendant’s appearance no fewer than 3 and no more than 15 days after it is issued. Unlawfully detaining, occupying or trespassing on a residential dwelling is also a class C felony, and a class B felony for a second or later offense at the same dwelling.
OhioCourt proceedingOhio’s forcible entry and detainer chapter allows an eviction action against a person who occupies lands or tenements without color of title when the person bringing the action has the right of possession. Before filing, that person must notify the occupier to leave the premises three or more days before beginning the action.
OklahomaRemoval by law enforcement, without an eviction caseA property owner or authorized agent may ask the county sheriff to immediately remove a person unlawfully occupying a residential dwelling by submitting a completed and verified complaint, if the conditions in the statute are met, including that the person entered unlawfully, was directed to leave, is not a current or former tenant and is not an immediate family member of the owner. After verifying that the person complaining is the record owner or the owner’s agent, the sheriff must serve a notice to immediately vacate on the unlawful occupants and put the owner in possession. A person who was wrongfully removed may sue to be restored to possession and to recover actual costs and damages, statutory damages equal to triple the fair market rent, court costs and reasonable attorney fees.
OregonCourt proceedingAn owner or landlord may take possession of premises from a squatter through the court action for return of possession after giving the person 24 hours’ written notice that the occupancy is terminated. The notice must state the date and time by which the person must vacate and that the cause is the person’s status as a squatter, and it does not create a right of occupancy or a tenancy. A squatter is a person occupying a dwelling unit who is not entitled to occupy it under a rental agreement or who is not authorized by the tenant to occupy it.
South CarolinaCourt proceedingUnder an article effective June 30, 2026, a property owner or the owner’s representative may file a verified petition with the clerk of court or chief magistrate to remove a person unlawfully occupying property that contains a residential dwelling, and for good cause shown the court must immediately issue a removal order, with a hearing held within 24 hours of filing unless good cause is shown for a delay. Once the court grants the order, the county sheriff or a constable enforces it by removing the unlawful occupants. An older statute also lets an owner ask a magistrate to serve a trespasser with a notice to quit, and if the trespasser has not left five days after personal service, the magistrate issues a warrant for a sheriff or constable to eject the trespasser.
South DakotaCourt proceedingSouth Dakota’s forcible entry and detainer action may be brought against a party who entered the real property or occupied structure of another by force, intimidation, fraud or stealth and detains it. The complaint must be in writing, verified by the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s agent or signed by the plaintiff’s attorney, and served with a summons. The time to appear and plead is five days from service on the defendant, or 30 days after service by publication, whichever comes sooner.
TennesseeRemoval by law enforcement, without an eviction caseA property owner or the owner’s authorized agent may ask the county sheriff to immediately remove a person unlawfully occupying a residential dwelling by presenting a completed and verified complaint made under penalty of perjury. Once the sheriff verifies that the complainant is the record owner or the owner’s agent and appears entitled to relief, the sheriff must serve a notice to immediately vacate without delay and put the owner in possession. The remedy does not reach a current or former tenant under a rental agreement the owner authorized, an immediate family member of the owner, or a property with pending litigation between the owner and the occupant.
TexasCourt proceedingOral or written notice to vacate, then a forcible entry and detainer suit in justice court against a person who entered without legal authority or by force and refuses to leave on demand.
UtahRemoval by law enforcement, without an eviction caseAn owner of real property or the owner’s authorized agent may ask local law enforcement to immediately remove a trespasser by presenting a completed and verified complaint made under penalty of perjury. Once it has the complaint and evidence of ownership and the owner appears entitled to relief, law enforcement must, without delay, serve a notice to immediately vacate and put the owner in possession. The remedy does not apply to a current or former tenant under a written rental agreement the owner authorized, an immediate family member of the owner, or a property with pending litigation between the owner and the trespasser.
VermontCourt proceedingIn an ejectment action, the landlord, the landlord’s agent or the tenant may move for immediate possession against a person occupying a dwelling unit without right or permission when the written rental agreement prohibits subleasing. The motion needs an affidavit and a copy of the lease, and a hearing may be held any time after 10 days’ notice to the parties. If the court grants it, a writ of possession issues the same day and the sheriff puts the plaintiff in possession no sooner than five days after serving the writ.
VirginiaCourt proceedingWhen the owner of a residential single-family dwelling unit files a summons for unlawful detainer and the court finds that no rental agreement exists or has ever existed with the occupant, that the occupant is there without the owner’s permission, and that the owner gave written notice to vacate at least 72 hours before filing, the court must hold an emergency hearing as soon as practicable and within 14 days of filing. If the case cannot be heard within 14 days, the hearing must be held no later than 30 days after filing.
WashingtonRemoval by law enforcement, without an eviction caseOn a declaration from the owner or the owner’s authorized agent signed under penalty of perjury in the statutory form, a peace officer who has probable cause to believe a person is committing criminal trespass in residential real property may remove the person, with or without an arrest, and order the person to stay off the premises. The officer must first give the occupants a reasonable opportunity to present credible evidence that they are tenants, legal occupants, or guests or invitees of tenants or legal occupants. The declaration must state that the person is not a tenant, and has not been a tenant or a homeowner on title within the last twelve months, and the section does not allow removing an occupant who is entitled to occupy the unit under a rental agreement.
West VirginiaRemoval by law enforcement, without an eviction caseA property owner or authorized agent may ask a law-enforcement officer to immediately remove a person squatting in a residential dwelling or commercial building by submitting a completed and verified complaint. If the agency’s preliminary fact-finding shows probable cause that the statutory conditions are met, it must serve a notice to immediately vacate and put the owner in possession. The remedy is not available against a current or former owner or lawful tenant, an immediate family member of the owner or tenants, or where litigation over the property is pending between the owner and the occupant, and a tenant who holds over in a periodic tenancy is not a squatter.
WisconsinRemoval by law enforcement, without an eviction caseEvery law enforcement agency must have a written policy on investigating complaints of criminal trespass to dwellings, and the policy must require an officer who has probable cause to arrest a person for that offense to remove the person from the dwelling. Criminal trespass to dwellings means intentionally entering or remaining in another person’s dwelling without the consent of someone lawfully on the premises, or of the owner if no one is lawfully there, under circumstances tending to create or provoke a breach of the peace. The removal section does not call for a sworn complaint form or a court order.
WyomingRemoval by law enforcement, without an eviction caseAn owner of a residential dwelling or the owner’s authorized agent may ask law enforcement in the county to immediately remove a person unlawfully occupying the dwelling by submitting a complaint made under penalty of perjury. Once law enforcement verifies that the complainant is the record owner or the owner’s agent and is entitled to relief, it must without delay give notice to immediately vacate and put the owner in possession. The remedy does not apply to a current or former tenant under a written or oral rental agreement, an immediate family member or cohabitant of the owner, or where litigation over the dwelling is known to be pending between the owner and the occupant.

Is a tenant who stops paying a squatter?

No. A person who entered with the owner’s permission, under a lease or an oral agreement, is a tenant, and one who stays after the term ends is a holdover tenant. The eviction process applies to both, with its own notices and deadlines. Florida’s sheriff-removal statute says so directly: it does not apply to “current or former tenants pursuant to a written or oral rental agreement authorized by the property owner.” Treating a tenant as a squatter and changing the locks is an illegal lockout.

What should an owner do on finding a squatter?

  • Do not use force, change the locks or cut the utilities. Use the route the state’s statute provides.
  • Gather proof of ownership and of the date the occupancy was discovered. Where law enforcement acts on the owner’s statement, that statement is usually sworn or signed under penalty of perjury.
  • Give the notice the statute requires before going to court.
  • Check whether the person ever had permission to be there. If so, the eviction process applies instead.
  • Inspect vacant property regularly and keep the taxes paid. Where the statute makes paying taxes a condition, an occupant who has not paid them cannot complete adverse possession.

Frequently asked questions

How long before a squatter can claim a property?

It depends on the state: from 5 years in California, Montana and Nevada to 30 years in Louisiana and New Jersey among the states covered here. Some states also require the occupant to have paid the property taxes.

Can the police remove a squatter?

In Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming, law enforcement can remove an unauthorized occupant without an eviction case, if the statute’s conditions are met. In other states the owner goes to court.

Do squatters have rights after 30 days in New York?

No. New York’s statute says a tenant does not include a squatter. An owner removes a squatter through a court proceeding after a ten-day notice to quit.

Is a tenant who stops paying rent a squatter?

No. A person who entered with permission is a tenant, and the eviction process applies, with its own notices and deadlines.

State-by-state rules

Sources

  1. Alabama: Ala. Code §§ 6-5-200, 6-2-33; Ala. Code §§ 35-9B-2, 35-9B-3, 35-9B-9, Code of Alabama (Alabama Legislature)
  2. Alabama: Ala. Code §§ 6-5-200, 6-2-33; Ala. Code §§ 35-9B-2, 35-9B-3, 35-9B-9, Code of Alabama (Alabama Legislature)
  3. Alabama: Ala. Code §§ 6-5-200, 6-2-33; Ala. Code §§ 35-9B-2, 35-9B-3, 35-9B-9, Code of Alabama (Alabama Legislature)
  4. Alabama: Ala. Code §§ 6-5-200, 6-2-33; Ala. Code §§ 35-9B-2, 35-9B-3, 35-9B-9, Code of Alabama (Alabama Legislature)
  5. Alabama: Ala. Code §§ 6-5-200, 6-2-33; Ala. Code §§ 35-9B-2, 35-9B-3, 35-9B-9, Code of Alabama (Alabama Legislature)
  6. Alaska: Alaska Stat. §§ 09.45.052, 09.10.030, Alaska Statutes (Alaska Legislature)
  7. Alaska: Alaska Stat. §§ 09.45.052, 09.10.030, Alaska Statutes (Alaska Legislature)
  8. Arizona: A.R.S. §§ 12-526, 12-523, 12-525; A.R.S. §§ 12-1173, 33-1378, Arizona Revised Statutes (Arizona Legislature)
  9. Arizona: A.R.S. §§ 12-526, 12-523, 12-525; A.R.S. §§ 12-1173, 33-1378, Arizona Revised Statutes (Arizona Legislature)
  10. Arizona: A.R.S. §§ 12-526, 12-523, 12-525; A.R.S. §§ 12-1173, 33-1378, Arizona Revised Statutes (Arizona Legislature)
  11. Arizona: A.R.S. §§ 12-526, 12-523, 12-525; A.R.S. §§ 12-1173, 33-1378, Arizona Revised Statutes (Arizona Legislature)
  12. Arizona: A.R.S. §§ 12-526, 12-523, 12-525; A.R.S. §§ 12-1173, 33-1378, Arizona Revised Statutes (Arizona Legislature)
  13. Arkansas: Ark. Code §§ 18-11-106, 18-61-101, Justia (unofficial copy of the code)
  14. Arkansas: Ark. Code §§ 18-11-106, 18-61-101, Justia (unofficial copy of the code)
  15. California: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 325, California Codes (California Legislative Information)
  16. Colorado: C.R.S. §§ 38-41-101, 38-41-108; C.R.S. § 13-40.1-101, Colorado Revised Statutes (Colorado General Assembly)
  17. Colorado: C.R.S. §§ 38-41-101, 38-41-108; C.R.S. § 13-40.1-101, Colorado Revised Statutes (Colorado General Assembly)
  18. Connecticut: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-575, Connecticut General Statutes (Connecticut General Assembly)
  19. Delaware: 10 Del. C. §§ 7901, 7902, 7903, Delaware Code (Delaware General Assembly)
  20. Delaware: 10 Del. C. §§ 7901, 7902, 7903, Delaware Code (Delaware General Assembly)
  21. Delaware: 10 Del. C. §§ 7901, 7902, 7903, Delaware Code (Delaware General Assembly)
  22. District of Columbia: D.C. Code §§ 12-301, 16-3301, Code of the District of Columbia (DC Council)
  23. District of Columbia: D.C. Code §§ 12-301, 16-3301, Code of the District of Columbia (DC Council)
  24. Florida: Fla. Stat. §§ 82.036, 95.18, Florida Statutes (The Florida Senate)
  25. Florida: Fla. Stat. §§ 82.036, 95.18, Florida Statutes (The Florida Senate)
  26. Georgia: O.C.G.A. §§ 44-5-163, 44-11-30, Justia (unofficial copy of the code)
  27. Georgia: O.C.G.A. §§ 44-5-163, 44-11-30, Justia (unofficial copy of the code)
  28. Hawaii: Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 657-31, 669-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes (Hawaii State Legislature)
  29. Hawaii: Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 657-31, 669-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes (Hawaii State Legislature)
  30. Idaho: Idaho Code §§ 5-203, 5-210; Idaho Code § 6-310A, Idaho Statutes (Idaho Legislature)
  31. Idaho: Idaho Code §§ 5-203, 5-210; Idaho Code § 6-310A, Idaho Statutes (Idaho Legislature)
  32. Idaho: Idaho Code §§ 5-203, 5-210; Idaho Code § 6-310A, Idaho Statutes (Idaho Legislature)
  33. Illinois: 735 ILCS 5/13-101, 5/13-109, 5/13-110; 735 ILCS 5/9-102, Illinois Compiled Statutes (Illinois General Assembly)
  34. Illinois: 735 ILCS 5/13-101, 5/13-109, 5/13-110; 735 ILCS 5/9-102, Illinois Compiled Statutes (Illinois General Assembly)
  35. Illinois: 735 ILCS 5/13-101, 5/13-109, 5/13-110; 735 ILCS 5/9-102, Illinois Compiled Statutes (Illinois General Assembly)
  36. Illinois: 735 ILCS 5/13-101, 5/13-109, 5/13-110; 735 ILCS 5/9-102, Illinois Compiled Statutes (Illinois General Assembly)
  37. Indiana: Ind. Code §§ 34-11-2-11, 32-21-7-1, 32-21-7-2; Ind. Code §§ 32-31-12-2, 32-31-12-3, 32-31-12-4, 32-31-12-5, 32-31-12-8, Indiana Code (Indiana General Assembly)
  38. Indiana: Ind. Code §§ 34-11-2-11, 32-21-7-1, 32-21-7-2; Ind. Code §§ 32-31-12-2, 32-31-12-3, 32-31-12-4, 32-31-12-5, 32-31-12-8, Indiana Code (Indiana General Assembly)
  39. Iowa: Iowa Code § 614.1(5); Iowa Code §§ 648.1(1), 648.3(1), 648.5(1), Iowa Code (Iowa Legislature)
  40. Iowa: Iowa Code § 614.1(5); Iowa Code §§ 648.1(1), 648.3(1), 648.5(1), Iowa Code (Iowa Legislature)
  41. Iowa: Iowa Code § 614.1(5); Iowa Code §§ 648.1(1), 648.3(1), 648.5(1), Iowa Code (Iowa Legislature)
  42. Iowa: Iowa Code § 614.1(5); Iowa Code §§ 648.1(1), 648.3(1), 648.5(1), Iowa Code (Iowa Legislature)
  43. Kansas: K.S.A. 60-503; K.S.A. 58-5401, 58-5403, 58-5404, 58-5407, Kansas Statutes (Kansas Revisor of Statutes)
  44. Kansas: K.S.A. 60-503; K.S.A. 58-5401, 58-5403, 58-5404, 58-5407, Kansas Statutes (Kansas Revisor of Statutes)
  45. Kentucky: KRS 413.010; KRS 413.060; KRS 383.290, Kentucky Revised Statutes (Kentucky General Assembly)
  46. Kentucky: KRS 413.010; KRS 413.060; KRS 383.290, Kentucky Revised Statutes (Kentucky General Assembly)
  47. Kentucky: KRS 413.010; KRS 413.060; KRS 383.290, Kentucky Revised Statutes (Kentucky General Assembly)
  48. Louisiana: La. Civ. Code art. 3486; La. Civ. Code art. 3475; La. Civ. Code art. 3487; La. R.S. 14:63; La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 3601; La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 3603, Louisiana Laws (Louisiana State Legislature)
  49. Louisiana: La. Civ. Code art. 3486; La. Civ. Code art. 3475; La. Civ. Code art. 3487; La. R.S. 14:63; La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 3601; La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 3603, Louisiana Laws (Louisiana State Legislature)
  50. Louisiana: La. Civ. Code art. 3486; La. Civ. Code art. 3475; La. Civ. Code art. 3487; La. R.S. 14:63; La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 3601; La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 3603, Louisiana Laws (Louisiana State Legislature)
  51. Louisiana: La. Civ. Code art. 3486; La. Civ. Code art. 3475; La. Civ. Code art. 3487; La. R.S. 14:63; La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 3601; La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 3603, Louisiana Laws (Louisiana State Legislature)
  52. Louisiana: La. Civ. Code art. 3486; La. Civ. Code art. 3475; La. Civ. Code art. 3487; La. R.S. 14:63; La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 3601; La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 3603, Louisiana Laws (Louisiana State Legislature)
  53. Louisiana: La. Civ. Code art. 3486; La. Civ. Code art. 3475; La. Civ. Code art. 3487; La. R.S. 14:63; La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 3601; La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 3603, Louisiana Laws (Louisiana State Legislature)
  54. Maine: 14 M.R.S. §§ 801, 810-A, 815; 14 M.R.S. §§ 6001, 6003, Maine Revised Statutes (Maine Legislature)
  55. Maine: 14 M.R.S. §§ 801, 810-A, 815; 14 M.R.S. §§ 6001, 6003, Maine Revised Statutes (Maine Legislature)
  56. Maine: 14 M.R.S. §§ 801, 810-A, 815; 14 M.R.S. §§ 6001, 6003, Maine Revised Statutes (Maine Legislature)
  57. Maine: 14 M.R.S. §§ 801, 810-A, 815; 14 M.R.S. §§ 6001, 6003, Maine Revised Statutes (Maine Legislature)
  58. Maine: 14 M.R.S. §§ 801, 810-A, 815; 14 M.R.S. §§ 6001, 6003, Maine Revised Statutes (Maine Legislature)
  59. Maryland: Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-103; Md. Code, Real Prop. § 14-132, Maryland Code (Maryland General Assembly)
  60. Maryland: Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-103; Md. Code, Real Prop. § 14-132, Maryland Code (Maryland General Assembly)
  61. Massachusetts: M.G.L. c. 260, § 21, General Laws of Massachusetts (Massachusetts Legislature)
  62. Michigan: MCL 600.5801; MCL 600.5714, 600.5711, 600.2918, 750.553, Michigan Compiled Laws (Michigan Legislature)
  63. Michigan: MCL 600.5801; MCL 600.5714, 600.5711, 600.2918, 750.553, Michigan Compiled Laws (Michigan Legislature)
  64. Michigan: MCL 600.5801; MCL 600.5714, 600.5711, 600.2918, 750.553, Michigan Compiled Laws (Michigan Legislature)
  65. Michigan: MCL 600.5801; MCL 600.5714, 600.5711, 600.2918, 750.553, Michigan Compiled Laws (Michigan Legislature)
  66. Michigan: MCL 600.5801; MCL 600.5714, 600.5711, 600.2918, 750.553, Michigan Compiled Laws (Michigan Legislature)
  67. Minnesota: Minn. Stat. § 541.02; Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.301, 504B.281, Minnesota Statutes (Office of the Revisor of Statutes)
  68. Minnesota: Minn. Stat. § 541.02; Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.301, 504B.281, Minnesota Statutes (Office of the Revisor of Statutes)
  69. Minnesota: Minn. Stat. § 541.02; Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.301, 504B.281, Minnesota Statutes (Office of the Revisor of Statutes)
  70. Mississippi: Miss. Code §§ 15-1-13, 15-1-15; Miss. Code § 89-10-3, Justia (unofficial copy of the code)
  71. Mississippi: Miss. Code §§ 15-1-13, 15-1-15; Miss. Code § 89-10-3, Justia (unofficial copy of the code)
  72. Mississippi: Miss. Code §§ 15-1-13, 15-1-15; Miss. Code § 89-10-3, Justia (unofficial copy of the code)
  73. Missouri: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.010; Mo. Rev. Stat. § 534.602, Missouri Revised Statutes (Missouri Revisor of Statutes)
  74. Missouri: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.010; Mo. Rev. Stat. § 534.602, Missouri Revised Statutes (Missouri Revisor of Statutes)
  75. Montana: Mont. Code §§ 70-19-404, 70-19-410, 70-19-411; Mont. Code §§ 70-24-113, 45-6-206, Montana Code Annotated (Montana Legislature)
  76. Montana: Mont. Code §§ 70-19-404, 70-19-410, 70-19-411; Mont. Code §§ 70-24-113, 45-6-206, Montana Code Annotated (Montana Legislature)
  77. Montana: Mont. Code §§ 70-19-404, 70-19-410, 70-19-411; Mont. Code §§ 70-24-113, 45-6-206, Montana Code Annotated (Montana Legislature)
  78. Montana: Mont. Code §§ 70-19-404, 70-19-410, 70-19-411; Mont. Code §§ 70-24-113, 45-6-206, Montana Code Annotated (Montana Legislature)
  79. Montana: Mont. Code §§ 70-19-404, 70-19-410, 70-19-411; Mont. Code §§ 70-24-113, 45-6-206, Montana Code Annotated (Montana Legislature)
  80. Nebraska: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-202; Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 25-21,219, 25-21,220, 25-21,221, Nebraska Revised Statutes (Nebraska Legislature)
  81. Nebraska: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-202; Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 25-21,219, 25-21,220, 25-21,221, Nebraska Revised Statutes (Nebraska Legislature)
  82. Nebraska: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-202; Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 25-21,219, 25-21,220, 25-21,221, Nebraska Revised Statutes (Nebraska Legislature)
  83. Nebraska: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-202; Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 25-21,219, 25-21,220, 25-21,221, Nebraska Revised Statutes (Nebraska Legislature)
  84. Nevada: NRS 11.080, 11.140, 11.150, 40.090; NRS 40.240, 40.412, 40.414, Nevada Revised Statutes (Nevada Legislature)
  85. Nevada: NRS 11.080, 11.140, 11.150, 40.090; NRS 40.240, 40.412, 40.414, Nevada Revised Statutes (Nevada Legislature)
  86. Nevada: NRS 11.080, 11.140, 11.150, 40.090; NRS 40.240, 40.412, 40.414, Nevada Revised Statutes (Nevada Legislature)
  87. Nevada: NRS 11.080, 11.140, 11.150, 40.090; NRS 40.240, 40.412, 40.414, Nevada Revised Statutes (Nevada Legislature)
  88. Nevada: NRS 11.080, 11.140, 11.150, 40.090; NRS 40.240, 40.412, 40.414, Nevada Revised Statutes (Nevada Legislature)
  89. Nevada: NRS 11.080, 11.140, 11.150, 40.090; NRS 40.240, 40.412, 40.414, Nevada Revised Statutes (Nevada Legislature)
  90. Nevada: NRS 11.080, 11.140, 11.150, 40.090; NRS 40.240, 40.412, 40.414, Nevada Revised Statutes (Nevada Legislature)
  91. New Hampshire: RSA 508:2; RSA 540-A:3, 540-A:4, New Hampshire Revised Statutes (General Court of New Hampshire)
  92. New Hampshire: RSA 508:2; RSA 540-A:3, 540-A:4, New Hampshire Revised Statutes (General Court of New Hampshire)
  93. New Hampshire: RSA 508:2; RSA 540-A:3, 540-A:4, New Hampshire Revised Statutes (General Court of New Hampshire)
  94. New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2A:14-30, Justia (unofficial copy of the code)
  95. New Mexico: N.M. Stat. § 37-1-22; N.M. Stat. §§ 35-10-1, 35-10-3, Justia (unofficial copy of the code)
  96. New Mexico: N.M. Stat. § 37-1-22; N.M. Stat. §§ 35-10-1, 35-10-3, Justia (unofficial copy of the code)
  97. New Mexico: N.M. Stat. § 37-1-22; N.M. Stat. §§ 35-10-1, 35-10-3, Justia (unofficial copy of the code)
  98. New York: N.Y. RPAPL §§ 501, 711, 713; CPLR § 212, New York Consolidated Laws (New York State Senate)
  99. New York: N.Y. RPAPL §§ 501, 711, 713; CPLR § 212, New York Consolidated Laws (New York State Senate)
  100. New York: N.Y. RPAPL §§ 501, 711, 713; CPLR § 212, New York Consolidated Laws (New York State Senate)
  101. New York: N.Y. RPAPL §§ 501, 711, 713; CPLR § 212, New York Consolidated Laws (New York State Senate)
  102. North Carolina: N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 1-40, 1-38; N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-159.50, 14-159.51, 14-159.52, North Carolina General Statutes (North Carolina General Assembly)
  103. North Carolina: N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 1-40, 1-38; N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-159.50, 14-159.51, 14-159.52, North Carolina General Statutes (North Carolina General Assembly)
  104. North Carolina: N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 1-40, 1-38; N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-159.50, 14-159.51, 14-159.52, North Carolina General Statutes (North Carolina General Assembly)
  105. North Carolina: N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 1-40, 1-38; N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-159.50, 14-159.51, 14-159.52, North Carolina General Statutes (North Carolina General Assembly)
  106. North Carolina: N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 1-40, 1-38; N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-159.50, 14-159.51, 14-159.52, North Carolina General Statutes (North Carolina General Assembly)
  107. North Dakota: N.D. Cent. Code §§ 28-01-04, 28-01-07, 47-06-03; N.D. Cent. Code §§ 47-32-01, 47-32-02, 12.1-22-03, North Dakota Century Code (North Dakota Legislative Branch)
  108. North Dakota: N.D. Cent. Code §§ 28-01-04, 28-01-07, 47-06-03; N.D. Cent. Code §§ 47-32-01, 47-32-02, 12.1-22-03, North Dakota Century Code (North Dakota Legislative Branch)
  109. North Dakota: N.D. Cent. Code §§ 28-01-04, 28-01-07, 47-06-03; N.D. Cent. Code §§ 47-32-01, 47-32-02, 12.1-22-03, North Dakota Century Code (North Dakota Legislative Branch)
  110. North Dakota: N.D. Cent. Code §§ 28-01-04, 28-01-07, 47-06-03; N.D. Cent. Code §§ 47-32-01, 47-32-02, 12.1-22-03, North Dakota Century Code (North Dakota Legislative Branch)
  111. Ohio: Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.04; Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1923.02, 1923.04, Ohio Revised Code (Ohio Legislative Service Commission)
  112. Ohio: Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.04; Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1923.02, 1923.04, Ohio Revised Code (Ohio Legislative Service Commission)
  113. Ohio: Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.04; Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1923.02, 1923.04, Ohio Revised Code (Ohio Legislative Service Commission)
  114. Oklahoma: 12 O.S. § 93; 60 O.S. § 333; 21 O.S. § 1354, Oklahoma Statutes (Oklahoma State Courts Network)
  115. Oklahoma: 12 O.S. § 93; 60 O.S. § 333; 21 O.S. § 1354, Oklahoma Statutes (Oklahoma State Courts Network)
  116. Oklahoma: 12 O.S. § 93; 60 O.S. § 333; 21 O.S. § 1354, Oklahoma Statutes (Oklahoma State Courts Network)
  117. Oregon: ORS 105.620; ORS 12.050; ORS 91.140; ORS 105.115; ORS 90.100, Oregon Revised Statutes (Oregon State Legislature)
  118. Oregon: ORS 105.620; ORS 12.050; ORS 91.140; ORS 105.115; ORS 90.100, Oregon Revised Statutes (Oregon State Legislature)
  119. Oregon: ORS 105.620; ORS 12.050; ORS 91.140; ORS 105.115; ORS 90.100, Oregon Revised Statutes (Oregon State Legislature)
  120. Oregon: ORS 105.620; ORS 12.050; ORS 91.140; ORS 105.115; ORS 90.100, Oregon Revised Statutes (Oregon State Legislature)
  121. Pennsylvania: 42 Pa.C.S. § 5530; 42 Pa.C.S. § 5527.1, Pennsylvania Statutes (Pennsylvania General Assembly)
  122. Rhode Island: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-7-1, Rhode Island General Laws (Rhode Island General Assembly)
  123. South Carolina: S.C. Code §§ 15-67-210, 15-3-340, 15-67-240, 15-67-250; S.C. Code §§ 27-37-210, 27-37-230, 27-37-270, 15-67-610, South Carolina Code of Laws (South Carolina Legislature)
  124. South Carolina: S.C. Code §§ 15-67-210, 15-3-340, 15-67-240, 15-67-250; S.C. Code §§ 27-37-210, 27-37-230, 27-37-270, 15-67-610, South Carolina Code of Laws (South Carolina Legislature)
  125. South Carolina: S.C. Code §§ 15-67-210, 15-3-340, 15-67-240, 15-67-250; S.C. Code §§ 27-37-210, 27-37-230, 27-37-270, 15-67-610, South Carolina Code of Laws (South Carolina Legislature)
  126. South Dakota: SDCL §§ 15-3-1, 15-3-7, 15-3-15; SDCL §§ 21-16-1, 21-16-6, 21-16-7, South Dakota Codified Laws (South Dakota Legislature)
  127. South Dakota: SDCL §§ 15-3-1, 15-3-7, 15-3-15; SDCL §§ 21-16-1, 21-16-6, 21-16-7, South Dakota Codified Laws (South Dakota Legislature)
  128. South Dakota: SDCL §§ 15-3-1, 15-3-7, 15-3-15; SDCL §§ 21-16-1, 21-16-6, 21-16-7, South Dakota Codified Laws (South Dakota Legislature)
  129. South Dakota: SDCL §§ 15-3-1, 15-3-7, 15-3-15; SDCL §§ 21-16-1, 21-16-6, 21-16-7, South Dakota Codified Laws (South Dakota Legislature)
  130. South Dakota: SDCL §§ 15-3-1, 15-3-7, 15-3-15; SDCL §§ 21-16-1, 21-16-6, 21-16-7, South Dakota Codified Laws (South Dakota Legislature)
  131. South Dakota: SDCL §§ 15-3-1, 15-3-7, 15-3-15; SDCL §§ 21-16-1, 21-16-6, 21-16-7, South Dakota Codified Laws (South Dakota Legislature)
  132. Tennessee: Tenn. Code §§ 28-2-103, 28-2-101, 28-2-110; Tenn. Code § 29-18-135, Justia (unofficial copy of the code)
  133. Tennessee: Tenn. Code §§ 28-2-103, 28-2-101, 28-2-110; Tenn. Code § 29-18-135, Justia (unofficial copy of the code)
  134. Tennessee: Tenn. Code §§ 28-2-103, 28-2-101, 28-2-110; Tenn. Code § 29-18-135, Justia (unofficial copy of the code)
  135. Tennessee: Tenn. Code §§ 28-2-103, 28-2-101, 28-2-110; Tenn. Code § 29-18-135, Justia (unofficial copy of the code)
  136. Texas: Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.026; Tex. Prop. Code §§ 24.001, 24.005, Texas Statutes (Texas Legislature)
  137. Texas: Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.026; Tex. Prop. Code §§ 24.001, 24.005, Texas Statutes (Texas Legislature)
  138. Texas: Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.026; Tex. Prop. Code §§ 24.001, 24.005, Texas Statutes (Texas Legislature)
  139. Utah: Utah Code §§ 78B-2-214, 78B-2-212, 78B-2-213, 78B-2-204; Utah Code § 78B-6-817, Utah Code (Utah Legislature)
  140. Utah: Utah Code §§ 78B-2-214, 78B-2-212, 78B-2-213, 78B-2-204; Utah Code § 78B-6-817, Utah Code (Utah Legislature)
  141. Utah: Utah Code §§ 78B-2-214, 78B-2-212, 78B-2-213, 78B-2-204; Utah Code § 78B-6-817, Utah Code (Utah Legislature)
  142. Utah: Utah Code §§ 78B-2-214, 78B-2-212, 78B-2-213, 78B-2-204; Utah Code § 78B-6-817, Utah Code (Utah Legislature)
  143. Utah: Utah Code §§ 78B-2-214, 78B-2-212, 78B-2-213, 78B-2-204; Utah Code § 78B-6-817, Utah Code (Utah Legislature)
  144. Vermont: 12 V.S.A. § 501; 32 V.S.A. § 5263; 12 V.S.A. § 4853b, Vermont Statutes (Vermont General Assembly)
  145. Vermont: 12 V.S.A. § 501; 32 V.S.A. § 5263; 12 V.S.A. § 4853b, Vermont Statutes (Vermont General Assembly)
  146. Vermont: 12 V.S.A. § 501; 32 V.S.A. § 5263; 12 V.S.A. § 4853b, Vermont Statutes (Vermont General Assembly)
  147. Virginia: Va. Code § 8.01-236; Va. Code § 8.01-126, Code of Virginia (Virginia General Assembly)
  148. Virginia: Va. Code § 8.01-236; Va. Code § 8.01-126, Code of Virginia (Virginia General Assembly)
  149. Washington: RCW 4.16.020; RCW 7.28.070; RCW 9A.52.105; RCW 9A.52.115, Revised Code of Washington (Washington State Legislature)
  150. Washington: RCW 4.16.020; RCW 7.28.070; RCW 9A.52.105; RCW 9A.52.115, Revised Code of Washington (Washington State Legislature)
  151. Washington: RCW 4.16.020; RCW 7.28.070; RCW 9A.52.105; RCW 9A.52.115, Revised Code of Washington (Washington State Legislature)
  152. Washington: RCW 4.16.020; RCW 7.28.070; RCW 9A.52.105; RCW 9A.52.115, Revised Code of Washington (Washington State Legislature)
  153. West Virginia: W. Va. Code § 55-2-1; W. Va. Code §§ 55-3C-3, 55-3C-2, West Virginia Code (West Virginia Legislature)
  154. West Virginia: W. Va. Code § 55-2-1; W. Va. Code §§ 55-3C-3, 55-3C-2, West Virginia Code (West Virginia Legislature)
  155. West Virginia: W. Va. Code § 55-2-1; W. Va. Code §§ 55-3C-3, 55-3C-2, West Virginia Code (West Virginia Legislature)
  156. Wisconsin: Wis. Stat. §§ 893.25, 893.26, 893.27; Wis. Stat. §§ 175.403, 943.14, Wisconsin Statutes (Wisconsin State Legislature)
  157. Wisconsin: Wis. Stat. §§ 893.25, 893.26, 893.27; Wis. Stat. §§ 175.403, 943.14, Wisconsin Statutes (Wisconsin State Legislature)
  158. Wisconsin: Wis. Stat. §§ 893.25, 893.26, 893.27; Wis. Stat. §§ 175.403, 943.14, Wisconsin Statutes (Wisconsin State Legislature)
  159. Wisconsin: Wis. Stat. §§ 893.25, 893.26, 893.27; Wis. Stat. §§ 175.403, 943.14, Wisconsin Statutes (Wisconsin State Legislature)
  160. Wisconsin: Wis. Stat. §§ 893.25, 893.26, 893.27; Wis. Stat. §§ 175.403, 943.14, Wisconsin Statutes (Wisconsin State Legislature)
  161. Wyoming: Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-103; Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1402, Wyoming Statutes (Wyoming Legislature)

How Seayora helps

Rental listings: A vacant unit is where squatting starts. Seayora keeps every vacancy listed, dated and assigned, so an empty home is noticed and filled.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant law varies by state and city and changes often, so check the current rule for your property and talk to an attorney before acting on a dispute.

How we write and check these guides: editorial standards.

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