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
Notice Still Comes First
Texas generally treats an occupant without permission as a "tenant at sufferance," and a notice to vacate is still typically required before filing:
1. A written notice to vacate is delivered to the occupant
2. If they don't leave by the deadline, an eviction case is filed in the Justice Court
3. The required notice period depends on the facts of the occupancy — the right approach is confirmed case by caseStill 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.
