NC Governor Stein Signs “Squatter” Bill Into Law

Governor Josh Stein signed Senate Bill 55 into law this month. Below are the details of the bill.

SB 55 – Creates an expedited removal process for the removal of an unauthorized person from residential property.

Bill Analysis:

A person who enters or remains on private property without the property owner’s authorization is subject to arrest and prosecution for criminal trespass. If the unauthorized person is a tenant who has held over after the lease term expired or has otherwise forfeited the right to remain under the terms of the lease, the lease, the landlord can pursue a summary ejectment proceeding in small claims court to recover possession. There was currently no procedure under civil law by which a property owner can seek the expedited removal of an unauthorized person whose occupation of the premises did not begin under a valid lease.

If the court has entered an order of removal and an unauthorized person fails to remove personal property from the residential property within the time allowed by the order, the property owner or authorized representative of the property owner may remove the personal property from the premises to or near the property line. The failure of an unauthorized person to vacate a residential property in accordance with a court order shall constitute a CRIMINAL TRESPASS.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This act would become effective December 1, 2025.