The Stop Squatters Act establishes a legal framework for real property owners in Iowa to remove unauthorized occupants from their property. Under the new provisions, property owners or their authorized agents can file a complaint with law enforcement to remove individuals unlawfully occupying their property, provided certain conditions are met. These conditions include that the unauthorized person has been notified of their lack of permission to be on the property, is not a current or former tenant, is not an immediate family member, and that there is no ongoing litigation regarding the property. Law enforcement is required to investigate the complaint, and if sufficient grounds are found, they will direct the unauthorized occupant to vacate the premises and return possession to the property owner.

Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for unauthorized occupants who fail to vacate after being notified. If the unauthorized occupant causes property damage of $1,000 or less, they will be charged with a simple misdemeanor, while damages exceeding $1,000 will result in a serious misdemeanor charge. The law enforcement agency is entitled to collect an hourly fee for their services, which will be assessed against the unauthorized occupant. Furthermore, property owners who submit false complaints will be required to indemnify the law enforcement agency for any damages incurred due to actions taken in good faith based on the complaint.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 716.7, 716.8