Texas just made it easier to remove squatters

[Neil Narayan]

Great news for landlords ...

Governor Greg Abbott today ceremonially signed Senate Bill 38 and Senate Bill 1333 into law to close loopholes, remove squatters, and 

Senate Bill 38 (Bettencourt/Chen Button) streamlines the eviction process by clarifying venue requirements and establishing consistent timelines for trials and appeals, including a requirement that a court hold a trial in eviction suits within 21 days of a petition being filed.

Senate Bill 1333 (Hughes/Leach) empowers sheriffs and constables to take action quickly when a property owner submits a sworn complaint that a squatter has taken possession of their property unlawfully. It also increases criminal penalties for criminal mischief related to criminal trespass involving a home and engaging in a real estate transaction involving property the person does not have a legal interest in.