For years, Texas landlords and property managers have faced an ongoing struggle against squatters occupying vacant or abandoned homes. These unauthorized occupants have often been difficult to remove, as the previous legal process was slow and heavily procedural. The new laws aim to correct that by closing loopholes and empowering both law enforcement and property owners to act swiftly.
In Austin and across Texas, property managers have described dealing with repeat trespassers as an endless cycle. Many reported arriving at their properties only to find broken locks, damaged doors, and people living inside without permission. While police could issue trespassing citations, the lack of immediate enforcement allowed many squatters to return just days later.
One property manager shared that his team has had to face this problem daily, finding multiple units broken into each morning. “It feels like Groundhog Day,” he said. “Every time we fix something, there’s another break-in. It’s exhausting for the staff and unsettling for our residents.”
Under previous law, authorities often treated these incidents as minor trespassing cases rather than criminal break-ins, making it difficult to remove squatters quickly. This left landlords responsible for protecting their properties and managing confrontations on their own — sometimes even forcing them to carry weapons for self-defense.
The new legislation, passed during the most recent state session, aims to change that dynamic. Senate Bill 38 requires that eviction cases be heard in court within 21 days, ensuring a faster resolution and minimizing the financial impact on property owners. Senate Bill 1333 grants sheriffs and constables broader authority to remove squatters promptly and increases penalties for trespassing, fraudulent leases, and fake real estate transactions.
State leaders emphasized that these laws will help protect property owners and restore accountability. The measures also send a clear message that squatting and property fraud will not be tolerated in Texas. With these rules in place, landlords can rely on law enforcement to act faster when unauthorized individuals occupy private property.
Property owners and developers across Texas have welcomed the reforms, saying they bring long-needed balance between tenants’ rights and landlords’ responsibilities. One property developer explained that the changes would help both families and investors. “This is about protecting people’s homes, livelihoods, and communities,” he said. “When someone works hard to maintain a property, they deserve to have the law on their side.”
Texas has seen rapid urban development in recent years, with high property demand leading to more vacant homes and commercial spaces — conditions that often attract squatters. The new laws are expected to reduce these incidents by providing clearer enforcement procedures and empowering courts to act without unnecessary delay.
Eviction hearings that once took several months will now move forward in less than three weeks, allowing property owners to reclaim their spaces faster. Law enforcement officials can also intervene earlier under the new provisions, helping prevent long-term damage and safety hazards associated with squatting.
While the laws primarily focus on property rights, they have also sparked conversations about homelessness and housing insecurity in the state. Advocates stress the need to pair stronger enforcement with social support measures to help those who occupy properties illegally out of desperation. Nevertheless, most agree that the laws strike an important balance between compassion and accountability.
The introduction of SB38 and SB1333 marks a turning point in Texas housing law enforcement. For years, landlords and homeowners have felt powerless against squatters who used loopholes and slow procedures to stay illegally in homes. With the new framework, property rights are reinforced, and the eviction process becomes faster and more efficient.
These new laws reaffirm Texas’ commitment to protecting private property rights and strengthening community safety. As Senate Bills 38 and 1333 take effect, property owners can expect faster legal resolutions, reduced financial losses, and greater peace of mind. In a state that values both independence and justice, this legislation marks a pivotal step toward restoring order in property management and ensuring that homeowners and landlords have the support of the law in safeguarding what they’ve worked hard to build.
