GA HB61

HB 61 - Georgia Anti-Squatting Act of 2026

• Property owners may request immediate removal of squatters by submitting a verified complaint to law enforcement, who must then serve notice to vacate without delay and restore possession to the owner.

• Unlawful squatting is defined as entering and residing on property without authority of the owner; conviction results in a misdemeanor with mandatory restitution based on fair market monthly rental rate.

• Presenting a false lease, deed, or other document to claim property rights is a felony carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 1-5 years imprisonment with no suspension or probation allowed.

• Innkeepers may immediately deny access to guests whose contracts have expired; if guests refuse to leave, innkeepers may file an affidavit with law enforcement for removal as trespassers.

• Writ of possession execution timelines shortened from 14 days to 7 days before landlords may hire off-duty peace officers; advance notice requirements reduced from 5 days to 3 days.