How Do I Evict a Squatter in Texas?
A squatter is a person who “settles on the lands of others without any legal authority,” as defined by the Electric Law Library. If you own property in Texas and discover a squatter is occupying the property, you have rights to remove the squatter but you must follow Texas real estate code to do so legally. Determine the legal classification of the person. Generally, there are two types: trespasser and squatter. If the person has broken door locks or windows to gain temporary access, he is considered a trespasser, which is a criminal offense. But if the person has made the property a permanent residence, he could be considered a squatter, which is a civil matter. If a squatter damages the property to gain access, he may also be charged with a criminal offense. Give the squatter notice to vacate. Under Texas law, you must post a notice to vacate in plain view on the entry door or near the entry door, and give the squatter three days to quit the property. If the squatter is a former tena
