LOUISIANA (KTAL/KMSS) — Louisiana has taken action to combat illegal squatting and criminal trespassing, the “Louisiana Squatter Prevention Act,” which took effect on August 1.

According to the new legislation, a squatter is ‘any person who remains in or upon property to 9 which he lacks a right of possession, ownership, occupancy, or a lease interest’.

During this year’s legislative session, Senate Bill 466 redefines claiming property ownership through “adverse possession.”

Prior to this amendment, squatters must meet several requirements to successfully claim adverse possession, such as continuous possession of the property for 30 years and demonstrating open, public, and peaceful possession of the property.

The “Louisiana Squatter Prevention Act,” expands the definition of simple burglary to include squatters. It highlights that if a squatter stays on the property for longer than five days after being “served with written notice to vacate,” they will be in violation of the law.

The act allows the possibility of charging squatters up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 years.