Property ownership in Houston comes with significant responsibilities, and understanding recent changes to squatter and eviction laws is crucial for protecting your investment. Texas lawmakers have enacted new legislation in 2026 that fundamentally changes how property owners can address unauthorised occupants and expedite the eviction process.
Understanding the New Squatter Provisions
The 2026 Texas legislative session brought sweeping changes to property rights enforcement. Previously, property owners faced lengthy legal processes to remove squatters who had no legal right to occupy their premises. The new laws create a clearer distinction between squatters and tenants, allowing law enforcement to remove unauthorized occupants more quickly when property owners can demonstrate clear ownership and lack of any rental agreement.
Under the updated statutes, property owners can now file an affidavit with local law enforcement establishing their ownership and confirming that the occupant has no lease or permission to remain on the property. Once verified, officers have the authority to remove squatters within 48 hours, a dramatic improvement from the previous system that often required formal eviction proceedings lasting weeks or months.
However, these protections come with strict requirements. Property owners must provide documented proof of ownership, evidence that no landlord-tenant relationship exists, and confirmation that proper notice was provided. Failure to meet these standards could result in liability for wrongful removal. And that’s where a real estate law firm Houston comes into action.
Key Changes to Eviction Procedures
The 2026 legislation also streamlines eviction procedures for legitimate landlord-tenant disputes. The notice period for non-payment of rent has been clarified, and courts now have expedited docket options for eviction cases where tenants have violated lease terms or failed to pay rent.
Additionally, the new laws address the growing concern of “professional squatters” who exploit legal loopholes. Property owners can now pursue criminal charges against individuals who knowingly occupy property without authorization and provide false documentation claiming tenancy rights.
What Houston Property Owners Should Do Now
Given these significant legal changes, Houston property owners should take proactive steps to protect their interests:
Document Everything: Maintain thorough records of all lease agreements, property ownership documents, and communications with tenants or occupants. Digital and physical copies should be readily accessible if legal action becomes necessary.
Regular Property Inspections: Conduct routine inspections of vacant properties to identify unauthorized occupants quickly. Early detection makes removal significantly easier under the new framework.
Update Lease Agreements: Ensure your rental agreements comply with the latest Texas statutes. Include clear provisions about unauthorized occupants and subletting restrictions.
Know Your Rights and Limitations: While the new laws provide stronger protections, improper enforcement can expose you to legal liability. Self-help evictions remain illegal, and property owners must still follow proper procedures.
The Importance of Professional Legal Guidance
Navigating these new statutes requires expertise in Texas property law. Even with streamlined procedures, mistakes in documentation, notice requirements, or filing processes can delay resolution and create legal complications. Working with experienced real estate lawyers Houston property owners trust ensures compliance with all procedural requirements while protecting your rights.
Real estate law firm Houston property owners choose should have deep knowledge of both state statutes and local court procedures. The nuances of Harris County court systems, combined with the specifics of the 2026 legislative changes, demand attorneys who regularly handle these matters.
How The Oracle Legal Group Can Help
The Oracle Legal Group offers comprehensive legal advice and services in the field of real estate, including squatter removal, eviction proceedings, and property rights protection. With offices in Houston, The Woodlands, and Chicago, The Oracle Legal Group is well placed to protect your real estate interests across multiple jurisdictions.
Our attorneys stay current with evolving Texas property laws and have successfully represented numerous property owners in disputes involving unauthorized occupants and tenant evictions. Whether you’re dealing with a squatter situation, need to initiate eviction proceedings, or want to ensure your properties have proper legal protections in place, our team provides the strategic guidance Houston property owners need.
Don’t navigate these complex legal waters alone. Contact The Oracle Legal Group today to discuss how we can safeguard your property investments under Texas’s new legal framework.
