What Maryland Property Owners Need to Know about Squatting
Squatting in Maryland is Growing—and Fast
A recent report by The Capital Gazette and Spotlight on Maryland uncovered a dramatic rise in squatting cases across the state of Maryland. From Baltimore City to suburban neighborhoods like Annapolis. Property owners are discovering strangers living in their homes, armed with fake leases and false claims of legal residency.
According to Del. Ryan Nawrocki, “It is a pervasive problem in Maryland. It touches every community.” Squatters are reportedly using Instagram and other social media platforms to advertise vacant homes for illegal rental placement—some for as little as $1,000.
Once Squatters are in, It’s Complicated
One of the most alarming aspects of this crisis is how hard it is to remove a squatter in Maryland. Under current state law:
- It can take more than two years to legally evict a squatter through the court system.
- Law enforcement cannot arrest someone for trespassing if they present a lease—even if the lease is fraudulent.
- In some cases, property owners have been forced to pay squatters thousands of dollars just to regain control of their own homes.
- The legal process can include multiple appeals, delaying action even further.
A new law going into effect this October—led by Sen. Ron Watson—aims to shorten the timeline to seven weeks. But even with these changes, the threat remains real for unoccupied properties across the state.
Why Home Watch Services Are Essential in Protecting Your Maryland Home
If you own a second home, travel often, or are renovating a property, you need more than good luck to protect it—you need proactive oversight from a trusted professional.
That’s where Annapolis Home Concierge comes in. We’re proud to serve Anne Arundel County through both our home watch and home concierge services. We are Certified Home Watch Professionals and Accredited by the National Home Watch Association.
We provide:
- Routine property visits so your home never looks vacant
- GPS-located, time-stamped reports with photos and videos
- Same-day digital reports delivered to your inbox
- Emergency response and storm checks
- Vendor coordination and home access control
In short, we help you stay ahead of threats—before they become costly disasters.
Don’t Let Squatters Take Over Your Investment
Squatting can happen in as little as 24 hours. But with Annapolis Home Concierge on your side, you’re never caught off guard.
Our detailed reports, local expertise, and rapid response approach give you something no app or camera can provide: human oversight with heart.
Let’s Keep Your Property Protected
We understand that your home is more than an asset—it’s your peace of mind. Whether you’re away for the weekend or the season, we’re here to make sure everything is just as you left it.
Get a free quote or schedule a home watch consultation today:
AnnapolisHomeConcierge.com