Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-21) introduced the Service Member Residence Protection Act today, which protects service members from absurd squatters’ rights laws and saves them from costly legal battles. 

Service members encounter unique housing challenges with demanding prolonged absences, relocations, and frequent transitions, often leaving them susceptible to illegal trespassers, or squatters; this common sense legislation ensures active-duty military personnel will not face the stressful obstacles required for evicting such individuals.

“I can’t think of many things worse than finally coming home after a tour of duty, only to find a trespasser camped out. There’s plenty to worry about when you get home, evicting someone shouldn’t be on the list,” said Rep. Brian Mast. “My bill defends service members, puts their interest first and stops government protection for squatters invading their homes.” 

The bill amends the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA), adding a provision that frees service members’ residences from squatters’ rights constraints. Varying by state, squatters’ rights generally allow trespassers to claim ownership of a property if it is open, unoccupied, and their stay is continuous. Evicting a squatter requires legal intervention, which is often unfeasible or impossible during deployment. As service members’ residences are already vulnerable to trespassers, the bill provides housing security and financial protection from the legal barriers required to evict squatters. The bill defends military members’ residences from trespassers while they serve our country.