Tim Arko stands in front of the property he formerly owned in south Dekalb County where trespassers stayed for seven months in 2023 while he pursued legal remedies to get them evicted. Arko said he lost about $100,000 in unpaid rent, attorneys fees and diminished resale value of his home, which was damaged by the squatters. It has since been sold, repaired and renovated. (Credit: Jill Jordan Sieder)

Harried homeowners relieved to see bill criminalizing squatting

ATLANTA — A bill passed by the General Assembly last week would make squatting a misdemeanor criminal offense, punishable by up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.  Squatters who forge fake leases could be charged with a felony. And judges can impose more fines based on the fair market value of … Continue reading Harried homeowners relieved to see bill criminalizing squatting

State Affairs