Who is a Squatter?
A squatter is someone who:
Entered your property without permission
Remains on the property without your consent
Has no lease or rental agreement with you
Is not paying rentSquatters vs. Tenants
The key difference:
Tenants had your permission to occupy (even without a written lease)
Squatters never had permissionThis distinction matters because the eviction process is slightly different.
Evicting Squatters in Texas
The Faster Process
For squatters, you can:
1. Give an oral notice to vacate immediately
2. If they don't leave, file an eviction case right away
3. You don't need to wait 3 days like with tenantsStill Need Court Order
Even though the notice process is faster:
You still must file an eviction case
You cannot forcibly remove a squatter yourself
Self-help evictions are illegal in TexasProving Someone is a Squatter
In court, you'll need to show:
You own or have legal right to the property
The person never had permission to be there
You demanded they leave and they refusedPreventing Squatters
Tips to prevent squatting:
Regularly inspect vacant properties
Secure all entry points
Have a trusted neighbor watch the property
Consider professional property managementWhen to Get Professional Help
If squatters claim they have a lease or rental agreement, the case becomes more complex. For these challenging situations, we can refer you to an independent Texas eviction attorney.
