Texas Governor Signs Laws to Remove Squatters from Private Property

Governor Greg Abbott signed two bills into law passed during the 89th Regular Session. Senate Bill 38 and Senate Bill 1333 will help to close loopholes which made removing squatters from private property difficult until now. These bills will close those loopholes and help homeowners defend their property rights when dealing with squatters. Read more on this news here.

Senate Bill 38 (Bettencourt/Chen Button) streamlines the eviction process by clarifying venue requirements and establishing consistent timelines for trials and appeals, including a requirement that a court hold a trial in eviction suits within 21 days of a petition being filed.
Senate Bill 1333 (Hughes/Leach) empowers sheriffs and constables to take action quickly when a property owner submits a sworn complaint that a squatter has taken possession of their property unlawfully. It also increases criminal penalties for criminal mischief related to criminal trespass involving a home and engaging in a real estate transaction involving property the person does not have a legal interest in.

Squatter concerns were the latest addition to Texas REALTORS® policy priorities. After an all-member survey in August of 2024, the issue of squatters was one of the association’s members’ top concerns, and so was added to the Texas REALTORS® 89th Legislative Regular Session Priorities. Read the policy statement on squatters and the rest of Texas REALTORS® priorities here. The policy statement on squatters is on page 41.

Be sure to thank your legislator if they voted for these critical bills that support property rights in Texas, and share the good news with your clients, colleagues, and community.