Legislation that would make the process of removing trespassers from private property was introduced by Representative Ken Borton (R-Gaylord) this week.
Key Points:
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- Under current law, police can remove a trespasser from private property. However, if the trespasser claims they have a legal reason to stay there, the process becomes more difficult for the property owner.
- HB 5634 provides a faster way for a property owner to remove a squatter from their property by allowing a property owner to file a complaint with their county sheriff and request the removal of the occupant.
- To file a complaint, property owners must verify they told the squatter to leave their property. Additionally, they must acknowledge the occupant isn’t a current or former tenant.
- Once the complaint is submitted and verified, the sheriff must immediately order all inhabitants to vacate the property. The sheriff may arrest the squatter for trespassing if they refuse to leave.
Next Step:
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- The bill was referred to the House Economic Development and Small Business Committee for consideration.
