In a recent incident in South Fulton, Georgia, police intervened to halt a group of squatters who had allegedly taken up residence in a vacant home on Christmas Day last year. The South Fulton Police Department arrived at the home on Caveat Court, which was supposed to be unoccupied, and apprehended six individuals while also recovering a stolen vehicle.
The home, situated in Hampton Oaks, became a target for squatters, as confirmed by Kendra Snorton, the vice president of the homeowner association. Snorton mentioned that the group had been living in the vacant property for months, with one individual being identified as the ringleader who was known for his courteous demeanor in the community.
Mel Keyton, the president of the HOA, revealed that members of the group had broken into another home within the subdivision, stolen a car, and then returned to the vacant property. The discovery of the stolen vehicle in the yard helped connect the dots for the authorities.
Both Snorton and Keyton expressed concerns about the presence of squatters in the neighborhood, highlighting instances of unauthorized use of amenities, trespassing, and break-ins. The situation has left residents feeling uneasy about the unknown individuals living among them.
South Fulton, located southwest of Atlanta, has recently taken action against squatting with Governor Brian Kemp signing a bill that criminalizes the act in Georgia. The Georgia Squatter Reform Act aims to empower property owners to pursue damages from squatters and streamline the eviction process.
Similar measures have been implemented in other states, such as Florida, where Governor Ron DeSantis passed a bill eliminating squatters' rights earlier this year. Real estate agents have also shared harrowing experiences of dealing with squatters, including incidents of property damage, theft, and unsanitary living conditions.
Efforts to remove squatters from illegally occupied properties have been described as risky, with squatters often operating without fear of consequences. The legislative changes seek to provide property owners with stronger legal recourse against such unlawful activities.
