A Game Changer for Georgia Property Owners

In 2024, Georgia enacted a new law that significantly impacts property owners, particularly those managing multifamily units. The law makes:

• Squatting a criminal act
• Speeds up the eviction process by setting a specific period for eviction 
• Repeals current conflicting laws

With sufficient evidence provided to the courts, squatters can be served a citation of the official offense within the three business days. Unless the squatters counter with proper documentation to prove legal residency, they will have three days to vacate.

This expedited timeline is a crucial tool for multifamily management companies, as it allows them to minimize potential damages, reduce legal expenses, and ensure that their properties remain secure and profitable.

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The Challenges of Enforcing the Expedited Timeline

While the law is a significant step forward, enforcing it can still be challenging. Property managers need to be able to prove that the occupants are indeed squatters and not tenants with a legitimate claim to the property. This often requires gathering documentation including:

• Proof of Ownership (deed or title)
• Evidence of Unauthorized Occupancy (watermarked surveillance footage is best)
• Absence of Current Lease or Rental Agreement
• Police Reports (if any related to case including formal trespassing notice) 
• Evidence of Efforts to Contact Occupants (notice to vacate via certified mail) 
• Condition of the Property (damage - if any - and utility records) 

And of course, always bring your attorney.  substantial evidence, including surveillance footage, witness statements, and other documentation that demonstrates unauthorized occupancy.

Without reliable and real-time evidence, the process can still be drawn out, potentially leading to disputes or delays in the court system. This is where technology can play a pivotal role in supporting property managers.

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How Cloudastructure’s AI Surveillance and Remote Guarding Can Help

Cloudastructure’s AI Surveillance and Remote Guarding solutions offer multifamily management companies a powerful tool to enforce Georgia’s new expedited squatter law. Here’s how:

Evidence Collection

Cloudastructure’s AI-powered surveillance platform ensures all footage is monitored 100% of the time. Which means you can capture footage that can be crucial in identifying and documenting unauthorized occupants. Management can mark any squatter a “bad actor” within the system and receive an alert every time they cross the cameras. This footage is time-stamped, watermarked and stored for 30 days or longer if you need it. 

Think of it: not only do you skip the laborious process of searching for all footage of the squatters, but you have solid proof ready for court.

Comprehensive Reporting for Legal Proceedings

The system’s advanced reporting features compile all relevant footage and data, which can be used as evidence in legal proceedings. This documentation is vital for proving that the individuals in question are indeed squatters, thereby supporting a faster resolution under the new law.

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Remote Guarding and Deterrence 

Want to make sure squatters never come back? Our solution includes seamless Remote Guarding software that enables you to monitor and respond should your squatters return post conviction. And you can make vacant properties with motion detection zones to deter any other squatter activity. Need help with the monitoring? No problem. We’re an end-to-end solution that offers Remote Guards to review all alerts to suspicious activity and respond in real time. 

The presence of AI-driven surveillance and the knowledge that a property is under constant watch can deter potential squatters from attempting to occupy the space in the first place. This preventive measure helps multifamily management companies avoid the issue altogether, maintaining the security and integrity of their properties.

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Protect Your Property in Real Time with Cloudastructure

Georgia’s new expedited squatter law provides multifamily management companies with a critical tool for maintaining control over their properties. However, success depends heavily on the ability to gather timely and reliable evidence. Cloudastructure can help - and not just with squatters - we’ll help you reduce theft, vandalism, and lease violations and more.

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JOIN OUR WEBINAR as Liability Attorney Amanda  Podlucky breaks down the components of the new Civil Remedies law!

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Prefer to talk to someone about your challenges? We’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation here.

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