Maryland Squatting Crisis
If you own property in California—whether it’s your primary residence, a vacation home, an investment property, or inherited real estate—you need to understand how squatting can threaten your assets and what legal protections you can put in place today.
A high-profile case in Bethesda, Maryland has drawn national attention after a convicted squatter returned to a $2.3 million mansion within hours of being released from jail. The incident highlights a growing crisis facing property owners across America, including California residents who own real estate locally or in other states.
What Happened in the Maryland Squatting Case?
Tamieka Goode and her partner Corey Pollard illegally occupied a 7,500-square-foot bank-owned home in one of Washington D.C.’s wealthiest suburbs. After being convicted of trespassing and breaking and entering and sentenced to 90 days in jail, Goode posted a $5,000 appeal bond and returned to the property almost immediately.
The case began when 19-year-old neighbor Ian Chen noticed forced entry into the vacant property and called police. The police response was inadequate—officers knocked, got no answer, and left. When Chen pressed further, police told him that because the occupants had been there more than 30 days, they had “gained residency status” and removal would require court action.
Chen filed private criminal charges in July 2025, leading to nine months of delays, missed court dates, and legal maneuvering before authorities finally evicted the squatters on February 11.
Why California Property Owners Should Pay Attention
Squatting incidents have surged nationwide, with a 22% increase in reported cases in 2024. The average eviction timeline now stretches 3 to 6 months and costs property owners between $8,000 and $15,000 in legal fees and lost rent.
In Georgia alone, squatting court cases jumped from just 3 in 2017 to 198 in 2023—though that data covered only 25 of the state’s 159 counties.
Many states have enacted anti-squatting legislation, including Florida, Georgia, New York, Alabama, Kentucky, Illinois, and Texas. However, Maryland has not, leaving property owners with limited legal recourse.
How Can California Residents Protect Their Property Assets?
For California residents who own property—whether in-state or across the country—proper estate planning and asset protection strategies are essential. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Include Real Estate in Your Trust
Placing your properties into a revocable living trust ensures:
2. Establish Durable Power of Attorney
A financial power of attorney allows your designated agent to:
3. Plan for Property Management During Probate
Properties that enter probate can sit vacant for months or even years, making them prime targets for squatters. According to LendingTree data, roughly 5.6 million housing units across the 50 largest U.S. metro areas were vacant as of 2023.
Your estate plan should include:
4. Address Foreclosure Risks Proactively
The Maryland case involved a foreclosed property owned by Citigroup. If you’re struggling with mortgage payments on any property, taking action early can prevent foreclosure and the vulnerabilities that come with it.
Options include:
Under federal rules, servicers cannot begin foreclosure until you’re more than 120 days past due, and they must review any complete loss mitigation application you submit.
5. Consider Out-of-State Property Protection
If you own property in multiple states, your California estate plan should address:
What Makes California Property Owners Vulnerable?
Several factors increase your risk:
Why This Matters for Your Family’s Legacy
Real estate often represents the largest portion of a family’s wealth. Without proper planning, your properties can become targets for squatters, face costly legal battles, or lose significant value during probate.
The Maryland case demonstrates how even in affluent neighborhoods with attentive neighbors, squatters can occupy properties for months while the legal system moves slowly. Neighbors reported being “pretty scared” and elderly residents were “afraid to even go to sleep at night”.
Take Action to Protect Your California Real Estate Assets
Whether you’re worried about protecting your family home, managing investment properties, or ensuring inherited real estate passes smoothly to the next generation, California Probate and Trust, PC can help you develop a comprehensive plan.
Our experienced Sacramento-based attorneys understand the unique challenges California residents face when managing real estate assets—both in California and across the country. We offer:
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Don’t wait until your property is at risk. Contact California Probate and Trust, PC for a complimentary one-hour consultation to discuss how to protect your real estate assets and ensure your family’s legacy is secure.
Call (866) 674-1130 or visit cpt.law to schedule your free consultation.
Source: Yahoo Finance – Convicted squatter released from jail, promptly returns to $2.3M Maryland home
Legal Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every estate planning and property protection situation is unique and requires individualized analysis. The information presented here is based on current law and news reports as of February 2026 and may not reflect the most recent legal developments. For specific guidance regarding your property assets and estate planning needs, please consult with a qualified California attorney. California Probate and Trust, PC is available to provide personalized legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.