(Sacramento, CA) – Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D-Santa Ana) announced the introduction of his Senate Bill 448 to address the rising problem of trespassers unlawfully occupying properties across California.

“At a time when the supply of rental housing is extremely low, I’m proud to be authoring a measure that delivers a comprehensive process for Californians, local governments, and law enforcement to tackle the issue of illegal squatting,” stated Senator Umberg, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “SB 448 will help ensure that quality, affordable housing remains accessible to lawful renters, and that our communities are protected from the dangers and disruptions caused by illegal trespassing.”

Squatting occurs when someone occupies what is typically an uninhabited or abandoned residential property that they do not own, rent, or otherwise have permission to live in. Although squatting is illegal in California, squatters still have certain rights under California law and removing squatters from a property can often take extensive time and financial resources. 

Unlawful trespassing of vacant residential rental units has become a nationwide problem in recent years as housing prices have reached all-time highs, with numerous internet forums and dark web pages devoted to squatting that offer a “dummies guide” to breaking into someone else’s home and establishing a right to be there. Several states including New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia took action in 2024 by passing laws to tackle this growing issue. 

SB 448, sponsored by the California Rental Housing Association (CalRHA) and also referred to as the Trespassing Response and Remedies Act, balances the need for housing providers to reclaim their rental properties quickly and efficiently while upholding vital renter protections. 

"Unauthorized trespassers, or squatters, are a growing problem threatening property owners and renters in our state. SB 448 offers a clearly defined and straightforward framework for property owners to reclaim their properties and protect our neighborhoods,” said Adam Pearce, President, CalRHA. “We’ve seen first-hand how illegal trespassers take advantage of victims of disasters and occupy vacant properties. We simply cannot allow that to happen in Southern California’s fire-stricken neighborhoods. We’ve worked closely with Senator Umberg to develop a solution that will protect these property owners as they begin to rebuild.

The fact sheet for SB 448 is attached.  The measure will likely be heard in policy committees in March.  

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Senator Thomas Umberg represents the 34th Senate District which includes the cities of Santa Ana, Anaheim, Long Beach, Fullerton, Orange, La Habra, Placentia, South Whittier, and East Whittie. Umberg is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, and former federal prosecutor. He and his wife, Brigadier General Robin Umberg, USA (ret.), live in Orange County.