How do you remove a squatter?
Short answer: It depends on the state. Several states now let owners remove unauthorized occupants quickly through police or a sheriff with a sworn affidavit; elsewhere the owner must go to court. A tenant, even one who stopped paying, is not a squatter.
Never use force or change the locks on someone who claims to be a tenant; use the legal process.
The rule in every state
Each answer below links to the statute or official page it comes from (47 of 51 jurisdictions verified).
| State | Squatters / unauthorized occupants |
|---|---|
| Alabama | An owner (or agent) of a dwelling may have an unauthorized occupant removed by law enforcement without an eviction suit. Steps: (1) give the occupant notice at the dwelling (hand delivery or posting on the front door/entrance) that they have no right to the dwelling and must vacate immediately, including the street address of the law enforcement agency; (2) submit a sworn affidavit in the statutory form to law enforcement in the county, attaching the notice with date/time of delivery and ID or proof of agency. The affidavit must state the occupant is not a tenant, holdover tenant, or immediate family member and that no litigation is pending. After verifying ownership and at least 24 hours after receiving the affidavit, law enforcement serves a notice to immediately vacate and may arrest for trespass, burglary, theft, or outstanding warrants. The agency may charge up to $50. A knowingly false affidavit can be prosecuted as false reporting (§ 13A-10-9); a wrongfully removed person may recover possession, actual damages, punitive damages of triple the fair market rent, costs and attorney fees. Squatters are excluded from Chapters 9 and 9A, so no eviction action is required. Renting or listing property without authority is a Class D felony (Class C if money was received or the owner is 70 or older). Ala. Code §§ 35-9B-1 to 35-9B-9 (Act 2024-237); §§ 13A-9-22, 13A-9-23 (Act 2026-536) |
| Alaska | The Landlord and Tenant Act does not apply to guests or squatters who stay without paying rent. An owner removes a trespasser or squatter through a court Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) eviction case. No separate statewide police-removal or affidavit procedure was found. AS 34.03.330; AS 09.45.060 et seq. (FED) |
| Arizona | The owner files a forcible detainer action in court. There is no affidavit-based police removal procedure. Under SB 1426 (2026), a person who entered by force commits forcible detainer by refusing to leave after a reasonable request from the owner or the owner's agent, if all of these apply: the property is or includes a residential dwelling; the occupant is unauthorized; the owner has told the occupant to leave; the property was not open to the public when the occupant entered; and the occupant is not a current or former tenant, a cohabitant by prior agreement, an immediate family member of the owner, or a party to pending litigation with the owner. In those cases the owner does not have to wait 5 days after a written demand. The Arizona Supreme Court must adopt rules for expeditious resolution, and the writ of restitution issues immediately after the court signs a judgment against the unauthorized person. Entering or remaining unlawfully in a residential structure is criminal trespass in the first degree, a class 6 felony. A.R.S. §§ 12-1171, 12-1173(A)(3)(b), (B), (C) (as amended by SB 1426, 2026); A.R.S. § 13-1504(A)(1), (B) |
| Arkansas | Unlawful squatting is a crime (Act 238 of 2025, new Ark. Code § 5-39-215). A person commits it by knowingly entering and residing on another's premises (dwelling, commercial building, or vacant land) without lawful authority when: the premises were not open to the public; the person cannot produce a deed or mortgage statement in their name, a lease signed by the owner or the owner's representative, a written or electronic agreement authorizing entry, or a rent receipt dated within the last 60 days; the owner has told the person to leave or reported the squatting to police; and no litigation is pending between owner and occupant. Police may accept a report only from the owner or the owner's authorized representative, and officers acting in good faith are immune. Penalties: first offense Class B misdemeanor, second Class A misdemeanor, third Class D felony. Producing a false document is a Class D felony, and so is a false report of squatting. The owner also has a private cause of action for damages, restitution, and attorney's fees. Current tenants, people with a valid occupancy agreement, and the owner's immediate family are excluded. Ark. Code § 5-39-215 (Act 238 of 2025, HB 1049); § 5-54-122(c)(1)(G) |
| California | California has no special fast-track squatter-removal statute. Entering and occupying property without the consent of the owner, the owner's agent, or the person in lawful possession is misdemeanor trespass. Refusing to leave property that is not open to the public, after the owner or a peace officer acting at the owner's request asks the person to leave, is also trespass. An owner can file one notarized request on the police agency's form so officers can act against trespassers for up to 12 months (or a shorter period set by local ordinance) while the owner is absent or the property is closed and posted. The request may be submitted electronically and ends if the property is sold. If police will not act (for example, because the occupant claims to be a tenant), the owner must go to court with an unlawful detainer or forcible detainer case (CCP 1159 et seq.). The occupant has 10 court days to respond after being served. A single lodger in an owner-occupied home who stays after a proper Civ. Code 1946.5 notice expires commits an infraction and may be arrested and removed. Cal. Penal Code § 602(m), (o) (as amended by SB 602, Stats. 2023, ch. 404); Cal. Penal Code § 602.3; Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 1167 (as amended by AB 2347, Stats. 2024, ch. 512) |
| Colorado | Colorado has a fast court process for removing an "unauthorized person": someone occupying a vacant or uninhabited home who never had any agreement with or consent from the owner, is not the owner's relative, never paid the owner anything, and was never given permission to be there. The owner (or authorized agent) first demands that the occupants leave, then files a complaint and a sworn "Verified Motion for Order to Remove Unauthorized Persons" in county court. The motion must be served (in person or by posting) at least 24 hours before the hearing, and the court must hold the hearing by the next court day. If the court finds the occupants are unauthorized, it issues a temporary mandatory injunction and writ of restitution, and the sheriff must remove them within 24 hours of receiving the order and order them to stay off the property or face arrest for criminal trespass. Anyone who falsely swears on the motion can be sanctioned, held in contempt, or prosecuted for perjury or false swearing. If the motion is denied, the owner can still bring a regular eviction (forcible entry and detainer). C.R.S. §§ 13-40.1-101, 13-40.1-102; § 13-40-104(1)(a) |
| Connecticut | No separate squatter-removal statute. An owner removes someone who never had a right or privilege to occupy the premises through the regular eviction (summary process) route: a written notice to quit served by a proper officer at least 3 days before the quit date, then a summary process action. The occupant can be named as 'John Doe' or 'Jane Doe' if their name is unknown. After judgment, a state marshal carries out the eviction. Anyone who stays after the marshal's eviction time and refuses to leave when directed may be arrested for first-degree criminal trespass (§ 53a-107). Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 47a-23(a)(2), (b), (c); 47a-42(a)-(b) |
| Delaware | Not verified yet |
| District of Columbia | No squatter-specific statute identified. The possession statute covers anyone who 'detains possession of real property without right': the owner files a verified complaint in D.C. Superior Court for restitution of possession, and removal happens only by court judgment and writ executed by the U.S. Marshals. D.C. Code § 16-1501(a) |
| Florida | Sheriff removal without a lawsuit. An owner (or authorized agent) of residential property may give the county sheriff a verified 'Complaint to Remove Persons Unlawfully Occupying Residential Real Property' (statutory form, signed under penalty of perjury, with ID or proof of agency) if: the occupants entered unlawfully and are living there; the property was not open to the public; the owner told them to leave; they are not current or former tenants under any owner-authorized lease; they are not immediate family; and no related litigation is pending. After verifying ownership, the sheriff serves a notice to immediately vacate (hand delivery or posting on the front door), puts the owner in possession, and may arrest for trespass or other crimes. Sheriff charges the writ-of-possession service fee, plus an hourly stand-by fee if requested. A person wrongfully removed may sue for restoration of possession, actual damages, triple the fair market rent, costs and attorney's fees. Fla. Stat. § 82.036 |
| Georgia | Two tracks, both without a regular eviction. (1) Intruder affidavit: the owner (or agent/attorney) swears an affidavit that they claim possession in good faith and the named occupant does not, and gives it to the sheriff, deputy, constable, marshal or other POST-certified officer, who shows it to the occupant and removes them once 3 days have passed, unless the occupant tenders a counteraffidavit claiming a good-faith legal right to possession. A counteraffidavit sends the matter to a nonjury magistrate court trial; if the occupant's claim is not meritorious, removal follows by writ of possession, and the court may award fair-market rent for the occupancy. (2) Criminal 'unlawful squatting' (entering and residing on another's property without the owner's knowledge or consent): the person is cited and has 3 business days to present documentation (e.g., a lease or rent receipts) to the law enforcement agency or face arrest; if documents are produced, a hearing is held within 7 days, and fake or non-meritorious documents lead to removal, arrest and a fine based on fair-market monthly rent. Misdemeanor. O.C.G.A. §§ 16-7-21.1; 44-11-30 to 44-11-33; 15-10-2(a)(18)-(19) (HB 1017, 2024 Georgia Squatter Reform Act) |
| Hawaii | Not verified yet |
| Idaho | Sheriff removal without a lawsuit. A property owner (or authorized agent) may give the county sheriff a verified 'Complaint to Remove Persons Unlawfully Occupying Residential Real Property' (statutory form, under penalty of perjury, with government ID or proof of agency) if: the occupants entered unlawfully and remain; the property was not open to the public; the owner told them to leave; they are not current or former tenants under an owner-authorized lease; they are not immediate family; and no related litigation is pending. After verifying ownership, the sheriff serves a notice to immediately vacate (hand delivery or posting on the front door), puts the owner in possession, and may arrest for trespass or other crimes. Sheriff charges the writ-of-restitution service fee, plus an hourly stand-by fee if requested while locks are changed and belongings moved to the property line. A person wrongfully removed may sue for restoration of possession, actual damages, triple the fair market rent, costs and attorney's fees. Idaho Code § 6-310A |
| Illinois | No special affidavit or fast-track removal statute. The owner uses the regular eviction (forcible entry and detainer) case, which covers peaceable entry with possession unlawfully withheld and entry into vacant or unoccupied property without right or title. Since Jan. 1, 2026, the eviction article expressly says it does not stop police from enforcing criminal trespass (720 ILCS 5/21-3) or removing persons or property when there is a criminal trespass. 735 ILCS 5/9-102(a)(2)-(3), (e) (as amended by P.A. 104-29, eff. 1-1-26); 720 ILCS 5/21-3 |
| Indiana | Expedited police removal (since July 1, 2025). A 'squatter' is someone occupying another's property who does not have, and has never had, a rental agreement, the owner's permission, or another property interest; former tenants and invitees are excluded. The owner signs an affidavit (stating false statements are subject to perjury penalties) and gives it to a law enforcement agency, which must dispatch officers to remove the squatter within 48 hours (later only for public-safety reasons, then as soon as practicable). Officers must remove the person unless they find credible evidence the person has or had a rental agreement/permission or is an invitee; they may also arrest on probable cause. Officers are immune from civil liability. A person removed because the affiant knowingly made a materially false statement may sue the affiant. The owner may still use a possession or emergency possession action instead. IC 32-31-12-1 to -8 (P.L.191-2025) |
| Iowa | No special affidavit or police-removal statute. The owner uses the summary forcible entry and detainer (FED) action, which lies where the defendant entered the owner's prior actual possession 'by force, intimidation, fraud, or stealth' and keeps possession. For that ground, the 3-day written notice to quit otherwise required before filing is not required. Thirty days' peaceable possession with the plaintiff's knowledge after the cause of action accrues bars the FED action, so owners should act promptly. Iowa Code §648.1(1); §648.3(1); §648.18 |
| Kansas | Removal of Squatters Act (2026). A squatter is someone occupying a dwelling who is not entitled to occupy it under a lease or rental agreement and lacks a tenant's authorization (periodic holdover tenants are excluded). The owner or agent posts a notice at the unit that the occupant has no right to stay and must vacate immediately (giving the address where the affidavit will be delivered), then delivers a notarized affidavit to the county law enforcement agency stating: affiant is the owner/agent; a person entered and remains unlawfully; the person was not authorized to enter; is not a tenant or holdover tenant; was asked to leave and has not; and is not the owner's immediate family member. After verifying ownership and at least 24 hours after receiving the affidavit, an officer serves a notice to vacate immediately (hand delivery or posting), may charge up to $50, and tries to identify all occupants. A knowingly false affidavit is a class A nonperson misdemeanor. A wrongfully removed person may sue the affiant for restored possession, actual costs and damages, punitive damages of three times the fair market rent, and attorney fees. Squatter occupancy is excluded from the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, so no eviction case is required. K.S.A. 2026 Supp. 58-5401 to 58-5407 (2026 Kan. Sess. Laws ch. 56, HB 2378) |
| Kentucky | Police removal by petition (since June 27, 2025). An owner or authorized agent may ask a law enforcement officer to immediately remove people unlawfully occupying real property if: the occupant is not and never was a tenant and never had a written or oral agreement with the owner to occupy; the property was not open to the public when they entered; the owner told them to leave; they are not the owner's immediate family; and no litigation about the property is pending between them. The owner presents a sworn 'Petition to Remove Persons Unlawfully Occupying Real Property' (statutory form, initialed statements, with government ID or proof of agency). After verifying the petitioner's identity, the officer must without unnecessary delay serve a notice to immediately vacate (hand delivery or posting) and put the owner in possession; the officer may arrest for trespass or other cause. Sheriff/constable fee: $20. The officer may stay to keep the peace while the owner changes locks and moves the occupants' belongings to or near the property line. A wrongfully removed person may sue within 60 days for restored possession, costs, and attorney's fees. The procedure cannot be used against current or former tenants. KRS 383.290 (2025 Ky. Acts ch. 63, eff. 6-27-25) |
| Louisiana | No affidavit-based police removal statute was found. Criminal route: under the criminal trespass statute, a 'squatter' (anyone remaining on property without a right of possession, ownership, occupancy, or lease interest) commits trespass by remaining after a lawful possessor directs them to leave verbally, by written notice, or by posting conspicuous signage that the property is privately owned and trespass is prohibited. Penalties: first offense $100-$500 fine and/or up to 30 days; escalating for repeat offenses. Civil route: the owner delivers a written 5-day notice to vacate to the occupant and then files a summary eviction (rule to show cause); an occupant who stays more than 5 days after a proper notice to vacate also 'remains' unlawfully for trespass purposes. La. R.S. 14:63(C)(2)(a)(i)-(ii), (b), (G); La. C.C.P. arts. 4702, 4731 |
| Maine | No special squatter-removal or affidavit statute. The owner uses the court process of forcible entry and detainer (FED), which may be brought against 'a disseisor who has not acquired any claim by possession and improvement.' For an occupant of a tenant's unit who is not an authorized occupant, the tenancy may be ended with a 7-day written notice (14 M.R.S. § 6002(1)(F)) and then an FED action. No self-help. 14 M.R.S. §§ 6001(1), 6002(1)(F) |
| Maryland | Wrongful detainer action in District Court against anyone who holds real property without a right to possession, where no landlord-tenant (Title 8) remedy applies. The court must summon the occupant at once, and the hearing must be held no more than 10 business days after the complaint is filed. If the occupant cannot be found after two good-faith attempts on different days, the process server files an affidavit, sends the complaint by certified and first-class mail, and posts the summons on the property. Service must be completed within 4 business days of filing. No counterclaims are allowed. If the owner wins, the court orders restitution and issues a warrant to the sheriff or constable. Damages, costs and attorney fees are available if claimed and the occupant was personally served. Either side may appeal within 10 days. Md. Code, Real Prop. § 14-132 |
| Massachusetts | No special squatter or affidavit statute. The owner recovers possession through a summary process (eviction) case in court. G.L. c. 239, § 1 allows it against anyone who made a forcible entry, or who entered peaceably but holds possession unlawfully by force, among other grounds. Removal is carried out by an officer serving the execution. Removed property must be stored under c. 239, § 4. G.L. c. 239, §§ 1, 4 |
| Michigan | Two routes. (1) Court: summary proceedings are available against a person who entered by force, holds possession by force after a peaceable entry, or 'comes into possession of premises by trespass without color of title or other possessory interest.' After a judgment for possession, the court may issue the writ of restitution immediately if trespass without color of title is pleaded and proved with notice; normally there is a 10-day wait. (2) Self-help: if the occupant came in by forcible entry, holds by force, or is a trespasser without color of title, the owner or agent may enter the premises. The peaceable-entry requirement does not apply, but assault and battery (MCL 750.81-750.90g) remain prohibited. MCL 600.5714(1)(f); MCL 600.5744(3)(d), (5); MCL 600.5711(3) |
| Minnesota | No special squatter or affidavit statute. The owner files an eviction action. A person may be evicted if they 'unlawfully or forcibly occupied or taken possession of real property or unlawfully detains or retains possession' of it. Removal happens only after a court judgment and a writ of recovery of premises and order to vacate (§ 504B.345). Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.301, 504B.345 |
| Mississippi | Real Property Owners Protection Act (effective July 1, 2025). A 'squatter' is a trespasser who stays on the premises, or a tenant's invitee who stays after the rental agreement ends. Squatters do not get tenant eviction rights; people with heirship rights are excluded. Process: the owner or agent files a sworn affidavit with local law enforcement giving the property address, the filer's name, address and status, and supporting documents. Within 24 hours, law enforcement must serve a citation ordering the person to leave. The person has 24 hours to vacate, or 3 days to tell the municipal or justice court they will contest. If they do not contest, they may be removed immediately without a writ, and the owner and officers are not liable for damage to their property. If contested, a hearing is held within 7 days under a preponderance standard; a certified deed showing the complainant as owner of record leads to a squatter finding. The judge then orders the squatter out within 24 hours. Squatting after written notice to leave is a crime. Knowingly using false documents to claim or rent out someone else's property is a felony: 2-5 years in prison plus fines equal to rent lost or money collected. Landlord-tenant law (§ 89-8-3) does not give rights to trespassers. 2025 Miss. Laws HB 1200 (Real Property Owners Protection Act), approved Apr. 10, 2025, eff. July 1, 2025; Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-3 (as amended) |
| Missouri | Expedited court process (since 28 Aug 2024). The owner or an authorized agent files a verified petition in the county where the property is. The petition must state, among other things: the property includes a residential dwelling and was not open to the public when the occupants entered; the occupants are not guests, current or former tenants, or immediate family of the owner; the owner told them to leave and they refused; the property has not been leased to anyone for three consecutive months; and no related litigation is pending. On good cause the court must immediately issue an ex parte removal order, with a hearing within 48 hours of filing. The sheriff enforces the order and may stand by while the owner changes the locks and moves the occupants' belongings to or near the property line. Violating the order is a class A misdemeanor. A person removed without just cause may sue for restored possession, actual damages to personal property, $1,000 statutory damages, and court costs. RSMo 534.602, 534.604 (L. 2024 H.B. 2062) |
| Montana | Police removal without a court case. A person who cannot produce authorization to occupy the premises is an unauthorized person or trespasser and may be removed immediately by law enforcement at the request of the property owner or authorized agent. Authorization means a written rental agreement, written or verbal permission from the landlord, or written or verbal permission from a tenant for a guest; verbal permission counts only if the person who gave it confirms it. The owner may ask law enforcement to stand by while the locks are changed and the occupant's belongings removed. An owner or agent who knowingly gives false information must indemnify the law enforcement agency for any damages awarded against it. Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-113 |
| Nebraska | No squatter-specific statute. An owner removes a non-tenant occupant through a forcible entry and detainer action in county or district court: the owner must first serve a written notice to leave at least 3 days before filing (by handing it to the occupant or leaving it at their usual place of abode; if neither can be found in the county, by leaving or posting it on the premises). If the court finds the entry or holding unlawful, it orders restitution of the property. This procedure does not apply to possession cases covered by the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 25-21,219, 25-21,221 |
| Nevada | Summary court process for forcible entry/detainer by an unlawful or unauthorized occupant. The owner (or authorized representative or authorized occupant) serves a written notice to surrender that tells the occupant they are guilty of forcible entry or detainer, gives them 4 judicial days to leave, names the court, explains their right to contest by filing an affidavit with the court by close of business on the 4th judicial day, warns that the sheriff or constable may remove them within 24 hours of a court order, and explains storage and disposal of belongings (disposable 14 calendar days after removal or surrender; storage costs must be paid first). It must be served in person before a witness (no witness needed if a sheriff, constable or licensed process server serves it), or by leaving it with a suitable person and mailing it, or by posting and mailing it (addressed to 'Current Occupant' if unknown). If the occupant does not leave, the owner files an affidavit of complaint; if no contest affidavit was filed and the evidence suffices, the court must order removal within 24 hours of the sheriff's receipt. If all known adult occupants are arrested for housebreaking or unlawful occupancy, the owner may retake possession and change the locks, posting and filing a notice that gives the occupant 21 days to seek reentry in court. Owners can recover treble damages for forcible entry. NRS 40.230, 40.240, 40.280(2), 40.412, 40.414 |
| New Hampshire | Fast court petition. No one who is not a tenant, subtenant or implied tenant may occupy residential property without the permission of the owner, landlord or their agent. The owner (including a 'non-rental owner' who does not rent the property out) or landlord files a petition in the district court; there is no filing fee, no lawyer is needed, and a peace officer or sheriff serves it. A hearing must be held within 48 hours of same-day service (or of service). If the occupant claims to be a subtenant or implied tenant, the occupant must prove it (e.g., a signed unexpired lease, recent rent receipts, cancelled checks, electronic payments, or messages showing an agreement); utility bills or IDs showing the address are not enough on their own. If the owner wins, the court orders immediate removal by law enforcement and awards actual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater; the owner may dispose of remaining belongings (after 48 hours' notice if the occupant was an unauthorized subtenant) and occupants may be arrested for trespass. If the property is the non-rental owner's own residence and the occupant gets a continuance, the court must order the occupant out pending the hearing. RSA 540-A:3, IX; RSA 540-A:4, II-a, III, VI, VII(e) (VII(c) before Oct. 8, 2026) |
| New Jersey | Not verified yet |
| New Mexico | New Mexico has no squatter-specific removal procedure or crime. Bills to create one failed: HB 332 and SB 359 (2025) and HB 144 (2026) all died. Removal is through existing law (court action and criminal trespass), which was not verified here. 2025 HB 332, 2025 SB 359, 2026 HB 144 (all died) |
| New York | A squatter is not a tenant. The law defines a squatter as someone who enters or intrudes on real property without permission of the person entitled to possession and keeps occupying it without title, right, or permission. The owner removes a squatter through a summary proceeding in court ('no landlord-tenant relationship'), served with a 10-day notice to quit. If the occupant entered or stays by force or unlawful means, no notice to quit is needed when the statutory conditions are met. The unlawful-eviction protections of RPAPL § 768 cover occupants who have lawfully occupied a unit for 30+ consecutive days or who have a lease. RPAPL § 711 (opening paragraph); RPAPL § 713(3), (10); RPAPL § 768(1)(a) |
| North Carolina | Expedited court removal, effective December 1, 2025. The owner or an authorized representative files a complaint with the clerk (or a magistrate if the clerk's office is closed) in the county where the property is located; it may be addressed to 'John (and/or Jane) Doe and all Occupants'. The complaint must allege that: the occupant entered after the owner acquired the property; the property was not open to the public; the owner told the occupant to leave; the occupant is not a tenant or owner; there is no valid rental agreement or contract for deed; no rent was ever demanded or paid; and no related litigation is pending. The sheriff serves the papers personally or by posting on the front door within 24 hours. A magistrate holds a hearing within 48 hours after service. If the owner wins, the order gives possession and requires the occupant to leave within no more than 4 hours after service of the order. An occupant who appeals must post a bond of at least $10,000. Failing to leave as ordered is criminal trespass, and the owner may move leftover belongings to or near the property line. A person wrongfully removed may sue for possession and actual damages. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-159.50 to 14-159.56 (S.L. 2025-88, S.B. 55) |
| North Dakota | Unlawfully detaining, occupying, or trespassing on a residential dwelling is a class C felony on a first offense, and a class B felony for a repeat offense at the same dwelling. Entering or staying in a dwelling knowing you have no license or privilege to be there is also a class C felony, so police can treat squatting as criminal trespass. An owner can also bring a civil eviction action against someone who entered by force, intimidation, fraud, or stealth, or who holds possession by force or threats. North Dakota has no special affidavit-based removal procedure. N.D.C.C. § 12.1-22-03(1)-(2); § 12.1-22-06(1); § 47-32-01(1)-(3) |
| Ohio | Ohio has no special squatter-removal procedure. The owner files a forcible entry and detainer (eviction) action in court against an occupier who holds the property without color of title. That requires the 3-day notice to leave under § 1923.04. Separately, entering or staying on another's land without privilege is criminal trespass under § 2911.21, a fourth-degree misdemeanor for most violations, which police may enforce. Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.02(A)(5); § 1923.04; § 2911.21 |
| Oklahoma | Sheriff removal without a court case. The owner or an authorized agent gives the county sheriff a verified Complaint to Remove Persons Unlawfully Occupying Residential Real Property, signed under penalty of perjury on the form set out in the statute, with ID or proof of agency attached. All of these must be true: the property was not open to the public when the occupants entered; the owner told them to leave; they are not current or former tenants; they cannot produce a lease signed by the owner, or a government document showing the address as their address of record within the past 12 months; they are not immediate family of the owner; and no related lawsuit is pending. The sheriff verifies ownership, serves a notice to immediately vacate by hand or by posting, puts the owner in possession, and may stand by (at an hourly fee) while the locks are changed. Penalties: damaging the dwelling by $1,000 or more is a felony (up to 3 years and/or $10,000). Presenting a fake lease or deed is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year and/or $1,000). Someone wrongfully removed may sue for restored possession, actual damages, 3x the fair market rent, costs, and attorney fees. Separately, under the landlord-tenant act a landlord may demand that an occupant with no rental agreement leave without filing an eviction. Failing to leave within a reasonable time is trespass, with a fine of up to $500. 21 O.S. §§ 1354-1357; 41 O.S. § 111(G) |
| Oregon | A 'squatter' is a person occupying a dwelling (or other property used for dwelling) who is not entitled under a rental agreement or authorized by the tenant; a tenant holding over is not a squatter. The owner or landlord may give the squatter 24 hours' written notice stating the date and time to vacate and that the cause is the person's status as a squatter, then take possession through the forcible entry and detainer (FED) court process (ORS 105.100-105.168). The notice does not create a tenancy. No statute authorizes police removal without a court judgment. ORS 91.140 (2025 c.356); ORS 90.100(47); ORS 105.115(1)(h) |
| Pennsylvania | Since 2024, the Landlord and Tenant Act (including its notice-to-quit and eviction procedure) does not apply to a person who is not, and never has been, a tenant. A 'tenant' is defined as someone occupying another's premises with the owner's express or implied consent (e.g., oral or written lease or acceptance of rent by the owner/agent). So an owner is not required to use the landlord-tenant eviction process against an occupant who was never a tenant; the Act itself does not set out an alternative police-removal or affidavit procedure. 68 P.S. 250.102 ('Tenant'), 250.501(g), 250.603 (Act of July 17, 2024, P.L.944, No.88) |
| Rhode Island | Not verified yet |
| South Carolina | Since June 30, 2026, a property owner (or representative) may file a verified petition with the clerk of court or chief magistrate to remove 'unlawful occupants' (people with no permission, no legal right to occupy and no tenant protections). The petition must allege, among other things, that the property was not open to the public, the occupants are not tenants/former tenants or immediate family, the owner told them to leave, and there is no pending litigation. For good cause the court must immediately issue an ex parte removal order, with a hearing within 24 hours; the sheriff or constable enforces it and may arrest for trespass. The officer may stand by while the owner changes locks and moves the occupants' belongings to the property line. Violating the ex parte order is a felony (up to 3 years / $3,000). A person wrongfully removed may sue for restored possession, actual damages and $1,000 statutory damages. S.C. Code 27-37-200 to 27-37-350 (2026 Act No. 252, H.3387) |
| South Dakota | No special squatter-removal statute. An owner removes a person who entered by force, intimidation, fraud or stealth (or who holds possession by force or threats) through a forcible entry and detainer (FED) court action in circuit or magistrate court; the defendant has 5 days after service to appear, and the court enters judgment for possession. SDCL 21-16-1(1)-(3); 21-16-3; 21-16-7; 21-16-10 |
| Tennessee | Since July 1, 2024, an owner or authorized agent may ask the county sheriff to immediately remove an unlawful occupant of a residential dwelling, without a court case, by submitting a verified 'Complaint to Remove Persons Unlawfully Occupying Residential Real Property' (statutory form). Conditions: the property includes a residential dwelling; an unauthorized person entered and remains; the property was not open to the public at entry; the owner told the person to leave; the person is not a current or former tenant under a written or oral rental agreement authorized by the owner and is not an immediate family member (spouse, parent, sibling, child); and no litigation is pending between owner and occupant about the property. The sheriff verifies ownership, serves a notice to immediately vacate (hand delivery or posting on the front door), puts the owner in possession, may arrest for trespass or warrants, and may stand by (hourly fee) while locks are changed and belongings moved to the property line. A wrongfully removed person may sue (expedited hearing) for possession, actual damages, statutory damages of triple the fair market rent, costs and attorney fees. T.C.A. § 29-18-135 (added by 2024 Pub. Ch. 1009, SB 795 / HB 1259) |
| Texas | Since Sept. 1, 2025 (SB 1333), the owner of residential property (or agent) may file a sworn complaint in a statutory form with the county sheriff or constable asking for immediate removal of a person who unlawfully entered and is occupying a dwelling without consent, if the property was not open to the public when the person entered, there is no pending litigation between owner and occupant, the owner has told the person to leave, and the person is not a current or former tenant or an immediate family member. After verifying the complainant is the record owner, the officer serves a notice to immediately vacate (hand delivery or posting on the front door) and puts the owner in possession; the officer may stand by (hourly fee) while locks are changed and belongings are placed at the property line. Fee equals the writ-of-possession fee. A person wrongfully removed may sue for possession, actual damages, exemplary damages of three times fair market rent, costs and attorney's fees. Presenting a fake lease or deed to stay on property is a Class A misdemeanor; listing or renting property without authority is a first-degree felony. Tex. Prop. Code ch. 24B (24B.001-24B.006); Tex. Penal Code Sec. 32.56 (as added by SB 1333), 32.57 |
| Utah | Since 2025 (ch. 295), an owner or authorized agent may present law enforcement a verified 'Complaint to Remove Trespassers Unlawfully Occupying Real Property' in the statutory form, under penalty of perjury, with proof of record ownership (or agency) and ID, attesting that the trespasser entered unlawfully, the property was not open to the public, the owner told them to leave, they are not a current or former tenant under a written rental agreement, an owner/co-owner or on title (absent title fraud), or an immediate family member, and there is no pending litigation. If the owner appears entitled to relief, law enforcement must without delay serve a notice to immediately vacate (hand delivery or posting) and put the owner in possession, may arrest for trespass or warrants, and may stand by while locks are changed and belongings moved to the property line. A wrongfully removed person may be restored to possession and recover actual costs and damages, triple the fair market rent, costs and attorney's fees, with an expedited trial. Utah Code 78B-6-817 |
| Vermont | No police-removal or affidavit procedure. The owner must use the court ejectment process. A landlord, landlord's agent, or tenant may file (with or after the complaint) a motion for immediate possession against an occupant who has no right or permission to be in the unit where the written lease bars subleasing, supported by an affidavit of specific facts and a copy of the lease. The court holds a hearing after 10 days' notice; if the occupant has no right or permission, it must enter judgment for immediate possession, and the sheriff may restore possession no sooner than 5 days after serving the writ. 12 V.S.A. § 4853b |
| Virginia | No police-removal or affidavit procedure in the Code. An owner must use unlawful detainer: the person entitled to possession files a sworn statement with a magistrate or general district court clerk or judge describing the premises and the facts authorizing removal of the person in possession, and a summons issues. Self-help removal of tenants is not allowed. Va. Code § 8.01-126(B) |
| Washington | An owner or authorized agent may give police a signed 'Request to Remove Trespasser(s)' declaration under penalty of perjury (statutory form) stating, among other things, that the occupants entered and remain unlawfully, are not and within the last 12 months have not been tenants or owners on title, were told to leave and refused, and that the premises were not abandoned or open to the public when they entered. A peace officer with probable cause of criminal trespass may then remove the persons (with or without arrest) and order them to stay off, but must first give occupants a reasonable opportunity to present credible evidence that they are tenants, legal occupants or their guests. The declarant can be sued for false statements (actual damages, costs, attorney's fees) and false swearing is a gross misdemeanor. Officers may not remove anyone entitled to occupy under a rental agreement; tenants require an unlawful detainer case. RCW 9A.52.105; RCW 9A.52.115 |
| West Virginia | Under the 2025 'Stop Squatters Act' (HB 2434), a squatter (a person occupying a dwelling or structure without a lease right or the tenant's or owner's authorization; not a holdover periodic tenant or owner) is not a tenant, squatting is criminal trespass, and courts may not require an eviction. An owner or agent may submit a completed, verified complaint to a law-enforcement officer requesting immediate removal if the property was not open to the public at entry, the owner told the occupant to leave, the occupant is not a current or former owner or lawful tenant or an immediate family member, and no related litigation is pending. After preliminary fact-finding (e.g., reviewing any claimed lease, interviews) shows probable cause, the agency serves a notice to immediately vacate and puts the owner in possession, and may remove occupants who refuse or stand by during removal of belongings; a service fee applies. Squatters who cause damage commit a misdemeanor (under $1,000: up to 1 year/$2,500) or felony (over $1,000). Bad-faith complaints risk prosecution for false swearing; a wrongfully removed person may sue for possession, costs, damages and attorney's fees. W. Va. Code §§ 55-3C-1 to 55-3C-5 |
| Wisconsin | Entering or remaining in another's dwelling without consent of a person lawfully there (or, if no one is, of the owner), under circumstances tending to provoke a breach of the peace, is criminal trespass to a dwelling, a Class A misdemeanor, whether or not the dwelling is currently occupied. Every law enforcement agency must have a written policy requiring an officer with probable cause to arrest for this offense to remove the person from the dwelling. Belongings left by a removed trespasser (a non-tenant) must be held 7 days after discovery, then may be disposed of at the landlord's discretion (returned on request before disposal). No sworn-affidavit removal procedure; tenants must be evicted under ch. 799. Wis. Stat. 943.14; 175.403; 704.055 |
| Wyoming | Since the 2025 session (SF0006, 2025 Session Laws ch. 41), an owner or authorized agent may file a sworn complaint (under penalty of perjury, with a copy of government ID or agency papers) with county law enforcement asking for immediate removal of a person who unlawfully entered and remains in a residential dwelling, if there is no known pending litigation between them and the person is not a current or former tenant, a co-owner or person on title (absent title fraud), an immediate family member, or a cohabitant. After verifying the complainant is the record owner, law enforcement must without delay give notice to immediately vacate (hand delivery or posting on the front door), put the owner in possession, and may arrest for trespass or warrants; officers may stand by while locks are changed and belongings are moved to the property line. A wrongfully removed person may recover possession, actual damages, triple the fair rental value for the period of wrongful removal, costs and attorney's fees. Presenting a fake lease or deed to stay on property is a misdemeanor (up to 6 months / $750); renting or selling property without authority is a felony (up to 2 years / $5,000). Wyo. Stat. 1-21-1401 to 1-21-1403; 6-5-309 |
Related questions
- Can a landlord enter without notice or permission?
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
- Can a landlord evict you without going to court, change the locks or shut off utilities?
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- Does a landlord have to fix mold?
- Who pays for pest control and bed bugs in a rental?
- Does a landlord have to provide heat?
- Does a landlord have to provide air conditioning?
- What can a landlord charge for at move-out (cleaning, painting, carpet)?
- Can a landlord put cameras in or around a rental?
- Can a landlord limit overnight guests or roommates?
- Can a landlord deny a service or emotional support animal?
- Can a landlord evict you for no reason?
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.