As a real estate investor in Augusta, you must be well aware of the threats that come along with your investment. Squatters, evictions, and adverse possession are some of the most common concerns for investors, and they can have a significant impact on your investment if not handled properly. It’s crucial to understand the laws and regulations concerning these issues, as well as the steps you can take to protect your investment. In this blog post, we will share the top 10 things that every real estate investor needs to know about squatters, evictions, and adverse possession in Augusta. Moreover, we will explain how partnering with HBI Home Solutions can help you find the right deals for your portfolio and safeguard your investment from these potential risks.
1. What is Squatting?
Squatting is a phenomenon where individuals or groups occupy a property without the knowledge or consent of the property owner. Squatting can occur in both residential and commercial properties, and it is often seen as a form of protest against the high cost of housing or a lack of affordable options. However, squatting can present many issues for property owners and real estate investors. Squatters can cause significant damage to the property, which can be expensive to repair. Additionally, squatters often refuse to pay rent or leave the property, which can make it difficult for investors to generate income from the property or sell it. Squatting can be a legal grey area, and laws regarding squatting vary widely depending on the jurisdiction.
2. Understanding Eviction Laws
Eviction laws differ from state to state, and it is important to know the legal process for evicting a tenant before starting the eviction proceedings. In some states, landlords must provide tenants with a notice to quit, which is essentially a warning that they have a certain amount of time to either pay the rent they owe or vacate the property. In other states, a notice to quit is not required, but landlords must still follow a specific legal process before evicting a tenant. In Augusta, landlords are required to give tenants a 30-day notice to vacate the property before filing an eviction lawsuit. This means that if a tenant fails to pay rent or violates any other terms of the lease, the landlord must first provide them with a written notice stating that they have 30 days to vacate the property. If the tenant fails to leave within the allotted time, the landlord may then file an eviction lawsuit. It is important for both landlords and tenants to understand the eviction laws in their state to avoid any legal complications or misunderstandings.
3. Adverse Possession
Adverse possession is a legal doctrine that allows an individual to obtain ownership of a property by occupying and using it for a significant period of time without the permission of the original owner. The underlying idea is that property should not remain abandoned or neglected indefinitely. If an owner fails to care for, manage, or even check on their property over many years, and another person openly lives on or uses that property as if it were their own, the law may eventually recognize that person’s claim.
To successfully claim ownership through adverse possession, several specific criteria must be met. The possession must be continuous, meaning the occupant has lived on or used the property without major interruption. It must also be open and notorious, so obvious that the true owner could reasonably be expected to notice the occupation if they were paying attention. In addition, the possession must be hostile, meaning it occurs without the owner’s consent, and exclusive, showing that the occupant has treated the property as their own and not shared possession with others.
In Augusta, the required period for an adverse possession claim under GA law is typically around 15 years of uninterrupted, qualifying occupancy. Only after meeting this full time period — along with all other required legal conditions — can an individual attempt to assert ownership through adverse possession..
4. Protecting Your Investment
To safeguard your investment from risks like squatters, difficult evictions, or even potential adverse possession claims, it’s essential to work with professionals who truly understand the local laws, timelines, and enforcement procedures. These issues can get complicated fast, and a small oversight — such as leaving a property unattended for too long or handling an eviction improperly — can turn into a costly problem.
At HBI Home Solutions, our team has the experience, legal knowledge, and on-the-ground insight needed to guide you through every step. Whether you’re dealing with unauthorized occupants, trying to protect your property from long-term misuse, or simply want peace of mind, we’re here to help you navigate these challenges smoothly and confidently.
5. Conducting Due Diligence
Before purchasing any property, it’s crucial to conduct thorough due diligence to identify any potential legal or financial issues that could impact your investment. Matters like unclear ownership history, unresolved boundary disputes, title defects, zoning or land-use restrictions, outstanding liens, or even previously undisclosed easements can easily slip under the radar without a detailed review. These issues might not seem obvious at first glance, but they can create serious delays, unexpected expenses, or long-term limitations on how you can use the property.
Taking the time to investigate these elements upfront not only protects your financial interests but also gives you far greater confidence in the decision you’re making. Proper due diligence ensures you’re not just buying property — you’re buying peace of mind.
At HBI Home Solutions, our team is fully equipped to walk you through each step of this process. We provide comprehensive due-diligence support, from examining critical documents and reports to identifying potential red flags before they escalate into bigger problems. With our guidance, you can move forward with your investment knowing it’s backed by solid information and protected from avoidable risks
6. Working with an Experienced Attorney
In the event that you need to evict a tenant or protect your investment from adverse possession, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who understands the local laws. At HBI Home Solutions, we can connect you with reputable attorneys who specialize in real estate law.
7. Partnering with a Property Management Company
A property management company can help you manage your investment property and ensure that it’s well-maintained. At HBI Home Solutions, we can help you find a reputable property management company to help you manage your investment.
8. Understanding Local Zoning Laws
Local zoning laws can significantly influence how you’re allowed to use, renovate, or develop your investment property. These regulations determine everything from whether a property can be used for residential or commercial purposes to what types of modifications are permitted, how many units can be built, and even where certain structures can be placed on the lot. Because zoning rules vary from one area to another — and can be surprisingly complex — understanding them before you invest is essential. Failing to do so may limit your plans or lead to unexpected compliance issues later on.
At HBI Home Solutions, we’re here to help you navigate these local zoning laws and regulations with confidence. Our team can review the applicable rules, explain how they affect your property, and guide you toward making informed decisions that align with both the law and your investment goals
9. Finding the Right Deals
At HBI Home Solutions, we specialize in finding the right deals for our clients. We can help you identify undervalued properties and negotiate deals to ensure that you get the best possible return on your investment.
10. Providing Valuable Insights
Our team at HBI Home Solutions can provide valuable insights into the local real estate market and help you identify trends and opportunities. We can help you make informed investment decisions and ensure that your portfolio is well-diversified.
Real estate investors in Augusta need to understand the laws and regulations surrounding squatters, evictions, and adverse possession. It’s important to work with a team of professionals who can help you protect your investment and find the right deals for your portfolio. At HBI Home Solutions, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you navigate these complex issues and make informed investment decisions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your real estate investment goals. (706) 389-5419