Illinois lawmakers found a way to crack down on squatters this session.
The Illinois legislature passed an amendment to the state’s code of civil procedure that would make it easier for police to remove squatters, bypassing lengthy eviction processes. The proposal was filed by Sen. Lakesia Collins and is supported by Illinois Realtors and Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance.
The bill differentiates between tenants and squatters so that property owners do not have to spend months in the court system trying to evict unauthorized users. Previously, Illinois law prevented police from removing squatters from homes and required landlords to instead handle such situations through eviction court, which was expensive and time consuming.
Squatters rights made headlines earlier this year, when a man on the South Side of Chicago moved in with the squatters occupying his property in an attempt to convince them to leave his property. When faced with minimal legal recourse under state law, he eventually paid the squatters over $4,000 to vacate the property.
“For years, squatters have taken advantage of and manipulated the legal system to deprive home and property owners of their rights. This law reinstates the rights of owners and will make it easier to protect your property,” said Illinois Realtors CEO Jeff Baker.
The bill is similar to one passed in Florida last year, which also empowers police to remove squatters. The Florida legislation takes enforcement a step further with steep penalties for squatters. It states that if someone falsely claims in writing to have property rights for the home, like having a fake lease or deed, they could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor.
Those who unlawfully occupy or trespass and cause $1,000 or more in damages face second-degree felony charges. And anyone who knowingly advertises a residential property for sale or rent without the authority to do so will face a first-degree felony charge.