For Immediate Release

IRELA Supports New Illinois Law to Combat Squatting and Protect Property Owners

Chicago, Illinois — The Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association (IRELA), in its capacity as an advocate for the real estate legal community, fully supports the newly proposed legislation aimed at combating squatting in Illinois. The law, which has passed the Illinois Senate and is now moving to the House, provides law enforcement with the ability to remove squatters from properties without requiring homeowners to undergo the lengthy and often expensive eviction process.

The new law comes as a direct response to an alarming rise in squatting cases, particularly in vacant homes that are listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). These homes have become prime targets for squatters who unlawfully take residence and create a significant burden for property owners.

As the voice of real estate attorneys in Illinois, IRELA members have seen firsthand how squatters exploit vacant homes in the MLS for their personal gain. Our attorney members routinely handle cases where individuals have entered properties with no legal right to do so, causing financial and emotional distress for property owners. In many instances, these squatters use fraudulent documents to claim possession and delay rightful eviction proceedings. These actions do not only affect large institutional owners but also take a toll on individual homeowners and mom-and-pop landlords across the state.

"It’s essential that Illinois provides clarity on the issue of squatting and gives law enforcement the tools they need to protect property owners," said Adam Wilde, Vice President of IRELA. "This legislation is not just about protecting big investors but about ensuring that real people—our neighbors and our local landlords—are not forced to navigate the complex and burdensome eviction process due to the illegal actions of those who unlawfully occupy their properties. This law will be a game-changer in restoring peace of mind for property owners throughout Illinois."

Squatters targeting vacant properties listed on the MLS have been a significant challenge for homeowners and small investors. A vacant home is often seen as an easy target, especially when no one is actively monitoring the property. IRELA’s members have reported numerous cases where squatters have used this strategy to their advantage, delaying the sale of properties, causing costly repairs, and exacerbating the emotional and financial distress of property owners.

IRELA believes that the new law will bring much-needed relief and clarity to the real estate industry. By providing law enforcement with the authority to swiftly remove squatters without requiring an extensive eviction process, the law ensures that property owners can regain control of their properties without enduring lengthy delays.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Illinois State Senator Lakesia Collins (5th District) for sponsoring Senate Bill 1563, and to Illinois State Representative La Shawn Ford (8th District) for championing the bill in the House. Their leadership and commitment to addressing this critical issue are commendable.

We look forward to the continued support of lawmakers, real estate professionals, and advocacy groups as this law moves through the legislative process. We are confident that it will be a crucial step toward protecting the rights of property owners throughout Illinois.