Georgia’s New Squatter Reform Act Cracks Down on Persistent Issue, but Lease Purchase Programs Remain a Concern

The new Georgia Squatter Reform Act, which became effective last month, aims to combat the persistent issue of squatters in Georgia House candidate Mel Keyton’s Atlanta-area community. Under the law, squatting has shifted from a civil matter to a criminal offense, with squatters facing charges including misdemeanors and felonies if they repeatedly break the law. While previous offenses outside squatting, such as theft, resulted in criminal charges, the new legislation allows homeowners to remove squatters more easily. However, Keyton, who is running as a Democrat in the Peach State’s 65th State House District, believes the issue is larger than the legislation, stating that most of the problems stem from lease purchase programs offered by corporations with poor underwriting processes. He suggests that these companies should be held accountable for their predatory lending practices, as they often cause more harm than good to communities like his. Despite the new law, some squatters seem unfazed, as Keyton notes that they may not fear the consequences of their actions until they see real repercussions. Nonetheless, Keyton acknowledges that the change is a step in the right direction and thanks Governor Brian Kemp and other elected officials for their efforts.