What happened?

I'm not sure what the situation is

Different situations can look similar. squatter.info does not determine your legal status. Gathering facts is usually more useful than choosing a label.

The important question

What do you actually know about how the person came to be in the property — and what do you not know yet?

Questions that help separate lookalike situations

Did someone enter without permission, or did someone allow them to stay? See unauthorized entry.
Was there a lease or rental arrangement with you? See tenant and former tenant.
Did a tenant leave, and did a family member or partner remain? See family and household.
Did the stay begin as a booking or short stay? See guest and short-term rental.
Did you acquire the property with someone already inside? See purchase and investment.

Facts that may matter

How the person entered, any permission, any lease or payment, who owns or manages the property, estate circumstances, and a timeline.

What not to assume

Do not guess a legal category and act on it. An unwanted occupant is not automatically a squatter. Missing facts are a reason to document and, when needed, consult a professional — not a reason to pick a label.

What to document

Ownership records, any agreements, communications, photographs, and dates — without confronting an occupant.

What not to do

Do not guess a legal category and act on it. Do not use self-help. Consult a licensed attorney if you need an evaluation of the facts.

Where to go next

Georgia sources (Georgia-specific; other states vary) · All states · Lessons from real cases · Short-term rentals · Protect my property

When professional help may be appropriate

If the facts are incomplete or the occupancy relationship is disputed, a licensed attorney in the relevant jurisdiction can evaluate them. This site does not determine your legal status or tell you which legal process to pursue.

Find professional resources →

All situation choices