Bill > HB1016

This bill expands the remedies available in Georgia's magistrate courts for situations involving the unauthorized possession of real property, commonly known as unlawful squatting. It increases the timeframe for individuals accused of unlawful squatting to present documentation proving their right to occupy the property from three business days to 30 calendar days after receiving a citation. Furthermore, it allows for certain third parties, specifically other unit owners or lot owners within a condominium or property owners' development (referred to as "interested third parties"), to initiate removal procedures against unauthorized occupants of "affected property" (real property within such developments that is occupied without a good faith claim). This process requires the interested third party to notify the affected owner and the relevant association (condominium or property owners' development association) of their intent to remove the occupant, and the removal can proceed if the affected owner authorizes it or fails to respond within 30 days. The bill also clarifies that if no counteraffidavit is filed by the person in possession, they will be removed after 30 days, and it allows courts to award fair market value rent and other monetary relief in such cases, with appeals going directly to Georgia's appellate courts.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72344