Georgia State House candidate Mel Keyton is facing a chaotic situation as squatters have taken over his $450K Atlanta-area home. The squatters have broken into the house on multiple occasions, even coming back after being arrested and bonding out of jail. Keyton describes the situation as the worst criminal activity he has ever seen, with the latest offense taking place early in the morning when the offenders broke into the house shortly after 1 a.m. Six squatters were arrested after police noticed a neighbor’s stolen car parked in front of the home, with two receiving felony charges and the remaining four charged with trespassing.
Despite the arrests, the fight continues for Keyton as he works to get the police and city officials involved to address the ongoing issue of squatters occupying his property. Keyton, who is also president of the Hampton Oaks Homeowners Association, emphasizes that the squatters are aware that the property is supposed to be vacant, yet they continue to remain in the home. He notes that the squatters are using the legal system to their advantage, allowing them to stay in the house despite being trespassers. Keyton is determined to work within the legal system to remove the squatters from his property.
In response to the rise in squatting incidents in Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp signed the Georgia Squatter Reform Act into law. This new legislation allows property owners to pursue damages from squatters and expedites the eviction process. Squatting is now considered a misdemeanor criminal defense, punishable by up to a year in jail, with fines of up to $1,000 for offenders. Additionally, those who forge fake leases could face felony charges. Prior to the implementation of this law, squatting was considered a civil matter in Georgia.
The issue of squatters taking over properties has become a significant problem in Georgia, with reports indicating that over 1,200 metro Atlanta homes had been occupied by squatters. The new legislation aims to address this epidemic by providing property owners with stronger legal protections and penalties against squatters. With the support of the Georgia Squatter Reform Act, individuals like Mel Keyton can take action to remove squatters from their properties and seek justice for the damages and disruption caused by these criminal activities.
Despite the challenges and frustrations faced by property owners like Keyton, the Georgia Squatter Reform Act represents a step towards addressing the issue of squatting in the state. By criminalizing squatting and providing legal avenues for property owners to remove squatters, the legislation aims to protect homeowners and hold offenders accountable for their actions. As efforts continue to combat squatting in Georgia, it is crucial for local authorities and individuals to work together to address this criminal activity and prevent further incidents of illegal occupation of properties. The passage of this law reflects a commitment to upholding property rights and ensuring the safety and security of homeowners in the state.
