This legislation aims to safeguard real property owned by members of the uniformed services from adverse possession claims, often referred to as "squatter's rights." It achieves this by amending the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to explicitly state that the duration of a servicemember's military service may not be factored into the computation of any period of adverse possession against their real property. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Attorney General, update the Department of Veterans Affairs website and other relevant platforms within 45 days of enactment. These updates will provide essential information and resources to servicemembers regarding how to secure their real property while absent for military service, guidance on leasing property, and details on landlord-tenant rights and obligations, ensuring they are well-informed to protect their assets.
Federal preemptionMilitary personnel and dependentsProperty rights
Servicemember Residence Protection Act
USA119th CongressHR-2334| House
| Updated: 9/16/2025
This legislation aims to safeguard real property owned by members of the uniformed services from adverse possession claims, often referred to as "squatter's rights." It achieves this by amending the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to explicitly state that the duration of a servicemember's military service may not be factored into the computation of any period of adverse possession against their real property. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Attorney General, update the Department of Veterans Affairs website and other relevant platforms within 45 days of enactment. These updates will provide essential information and resources to servicemembers regarding how to secure their real property while absent for military service, guidance on leasing property, and details on landlord-tenant rights and obligations, ensuring they are well-informed to protect their assets.