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HB 3518

Relating to the unauthorized entry, occupancy, sale, rental, lease, advertisement for sale, rental, or lease, or conveyance of real property, including the removal of certain unauthorized occupants of a dwelling; creating criminal offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; authorizing a fee.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Giovanni Capriglione

HB 3518 creates criminal penalties for squatting and unauthorized property transactions while enabling faster removal of unauthorized occupants from dwellings in Texas.

Referred to Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
#civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #courts--civilprocedure(i0135) #courts--justice(i0110) #crimes--againstproperty(i0175) #criminalprocedure--trial(i0204) #fraud(s0166) #propertyinterests--realproperty(i0595) #sheriffs(s1013)
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Bill Summary · HB 3518

Legislative bill overview

HB 3518 creates and strengthens criminal penalties for unauthorized entry, occupation, and transactions involving real property in Texas. The bill establishes new offenses related to squatting, unlawful property sales/rentals, and introduces mechanisms for removing unauthorized occupants from dwellings, while also authorizing associated fees.

Why is this important

Property rights disputes and unauthorized occupation have become increasingly visible issues in Texas and nationwide. This legislation directly addresses landlord and property owner concerns about reclaiming properties and preventing fraudulent sales or rentals of properties they don't own, while also potentially affecting how quickly people can be removed from properties.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Expedited removal procedures could conflict with established eviction protections and tenant legal safeguards, raising fairness questions about notice periods and court hearings
  • Definition ambiguity: "Unauthorized occupancy" may be unclear in boundary dispute cases, abandoned property situations, or where occupancy history is contested, potentially leading to inconsistent enforcement
  • Criminalization vs. civil remedies: Converting what are traditionally civil/landlord-tenant matters into criminal offenses could overwhelm courts and disproportionately affect low-income individuals facing housing instability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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