Illinois Lawmakers Take on Squatters

A bill aimed at cracking down on squatters in Illinois is moving forward, offering hope to frustrated homeowners dealing with unauthorized occupants.

The proposal, which would allow police to immediately remove squatters without requiring a lengthy eviction process, passed the Illinois Senate and is now headed to the House for review, WLS-TV reported.

The legislation, introduced by State Sen. Lakesia Collins, is designed to give law enforcement the authority to act swiftly when someone is unlawfully occupying a property. Illinois law prevents police from removing squatters from homes, requiring property owners to handle it through eviction court, which is expensive and time consuming.

“Somebody can just come into your home, and break into your home and present a false document, with no repercussions whatsoever,” South Side homeowner Marcia Lee told the outlet. Squatters took over a home she and her husband own, holding up false documents showing they own the home. Lee said the police laughed at her when she asked them to help.

Homeowners across the Chicago area described the experience of dealing with squatters as mentally, financially and emotionally exhausting. “Hallelujah! I’m so happy about this,” Mark Goodman, a South Suburban homeowner, told the outlet. He has been dealing with squatters occupying his rental home in Thornton since late last year.

The lawmakers are assembling a “squatter task force,” bringing together landlords, tenants and real estate professionals to address the issue collaboratively and educate the public.

If passed, the law would clearly distinguish between tenants with legal rights and squatters without them.

—Rachel Stone