Happy Saturday, Housing Heroes!

If you’ve ever walked into your vacant rental and found someone living there who wasn’t supposed to be, you know that gut-wrenching feeling. And if you tried to get them out, you probably learned the hard way: in California, squatters have been able to game the system and you, the rightful owner, were stuck navigating a slow, costly eviction process.

Until now.

Senate Bill 448 introduced by Senator Tom Umberg, is the step we’ve been waiting for. It gives California property owners and housing providers a fast, lawful path to remove squatters from their homes.

Let’s break down what this bill does and how you can help make it law.

What SB 448 Actually Does

Before this law, squatters could claim “tenant’s rights,” even if they broke in through the back window and never paid a dime in rent. You, the rightful owner, had to go through a lengthy unlawful detainer process — sometimes spending thousands and waiting months.

SB 448 flips that dynamic.

Now, if someone is squatting in your residential property without permission, you can:

1. File a verified complaint and affidavit with law enforcement.
2. Provide proof that you own or control the property, and that the squatter has no lease or right to be there.
3. Request immediate removal, with support from law enforcement and judicial review.

That’s it. No more dragging it through the court system. No more “cash for keys” handouts. Just swift, lawful removal — like it should’ve always been.

Who This Applies To

This law is specifically for residential properties. That includes:

• Single-family homes
• Condos
• Apartments
• Vacant rental units between tenants

To be clear: SB 448 doesn’t apply to actual tenants. If there was a lease, even a verbal one, you’ll still have to use the unlawful detainer process. But if someone broke in and started playing house without your permission? This is your path forward.

Why SB 448 Matters

For too long, the balance has been tipped against property owners. Squatters knew the rules and used them to stall for weeks or even months - while you lost rent, time, and peace of mind.

SB 448 restores common sense. It treats squatting for what it is: unlawful and unacceptable. It gives you a way to defend your property legally — without being forced into a long, expensive eviction process for someone who was never a tenant to begin with.

What You Can Do Right Now

Support this bill.

We’re not across the finish line yet. SB 448 is currently moving through the legislature and we need to show strong support to make sure it passes.

Here’s how you can help:

• Ask Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee to Vote AYE on SB 448
• Click below to send a customizable email directly to your senators

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