Squatters In Georgia Are Making Money Renting Out People's Homes

Bold squatters are taking advantage of laws and policies to rent out vacant houses to other people, stoking frustrations among homeowners and landlords, according to a report from The Atlanta Black Star. While some states deal with this issue, most of the focus is on Georgia due to the squatters’ rights protecting these invaders from violent oustings. In the Peach State, squatters illegally take over uninhabited houses while not paying the rightful owners’ rent. The news outlet cited a WSB-TV investigation where a now-deactivated Instagram account was advertising houses, taking one-time payments, giving advice on limiting law enforcement intervention, and providing squatters the keys to homes. Property owners’ hands are tied though since the squatters’ rights prevent them from removing these unauthorized inhabitants unless they go through the entire eviction process. In some instances, squatters would sell household appliances, trash homes, and even leave behind dangerous substances, according to various victim testimonies. The issue is particularly prolific in the Atlanta metropolitan area. According to the National Rental Home Council, around 1,200 homes were invaded by squatters, more than any other metro area tracked by the council in the country, per Bloomberg. WSB-TV interviewed a DeKalb County man who left his...