Legislation to Protect Private Property Rights by Combating "Squatting" Problem Passes Senate Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                         

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Legislation to Protect Private Property Rights by Combating "Squatting" Problem

Passes Senate Committee

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— The problem of "squatters" taking over people's homes continues to grow across the nation. Despite Governor Katie Hobbs' refusal to protect Arizona homeowners when she vetoed a bipartisan bill last session, Judiciary & Elections Committee Chairwoman Wendy Rogers remains committed to providing a solution to combat squatter practices in Arizona.

With the surge in unlawful occupancy since the COVID-19 pandemic, many private property owners have faced significant challenges when dealing with squatters. Criminals are scheming to take over homes that aren’t theirs, posing a threat to the safety of homeowners and infringing on their private property rights. Although Arizona has existing trespassing laws, it’s often difficult to prove a person is unlawfully occupying a home and can result in lengthy legal battles.

SB 1726, sponsored by Chairwoman Rogers, allows a homeowner, or the owner's authorized agent, to request law enforcement to immediately remove an unlawful occupant from their residence. Once law enforcement receives a written affidavit from the homeowner explaining the homeowner's complaint, law enforcement will conduct a preliminary investigation to validate the complaint. If probable cause is found, law enforcement will serve a notice of unlawful occupancy, requiring the squatter to vacate the property immediately. This measure is a powerful tool to provide a faster, more efficient way for property owners to reclaim possession of their homes, protect their private property rights, and ensure that property ownership it not undermined by unlawful actions.

"This bill is a vital step to safeguard private property rights in our state. No one should be forced to endure months of uncertainty or financial strain because someone has unlawfully taken possession of their property," said Chairwoman Rogers. "Passing this legislation out of committee this week is an important milestone, but we must continue to push forward to ensure private property owners have the support they need to protect their homes. Homeowners deserve clear and effective solutions to protect their residences from squatters, and this bill creates just that. I hope the Governor chooses to protect Arizonans by signing this bill."

                                                     ###

For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

kquintero@azleg.gov