ATLANTA – State Representative Devan Seabaugh (R-Marietta) recently introduced HB 183, The Innkeeper Reform Act, which would close a loophole in state squatter laws that allows long-term hotel guests to illegally squat in extended-stay hotels without immediate removal. This bill seeks to redefine extended-stay hotel guests who refuse to leave after their reservation expires as trespassers, rather than tenants.
“The current law has enabled bad actors to exploit hotel policies, turning extended-stay accommodations into de facto apartments and forcing business owners into lengthy and expensive eviction proceedings,” said Rep. Seabaugh. “We’ve seen too many cases where hotel owners and managers are left powerless against individuals who refuse to leave, costing businesses thousands in unpaid fees and legal expenses. This bill ensures that extended-stay hotels operate as intended—temporary lodging—not a loophole for squatting.”
Under Georgia law, a traditional tenant is afforded eviction protections under the state’s landlord-tenant code. However, extended-stay hotels operate under innkeeper agreements, which are meant to provide short-term housing. Some guests, after staying beyond a certain period, claim tenant rights, forcing hoteliers to go through the formal eviction process rather than removing them as trespassers. The Innkeeper Reform Act would clearly define individuals who remain beyond their reservation or payment period as unauthorized occupants, giving hotel owners the legal backing to remove them swiftly. Law enforcement would also be able to act immediately in such cases, preventing drawn-out eviction battles.
“This is not about targeting those in need—it’s about stopping abuse,” added Rep. Seabaugh. “We must ensure that businesses aren’t being taken advantage of financially under the guise of tenant protections. Georgia needs strong, clear policies that protect property owner rights and prevent abuse while keeping our economy strong – this bill does just that. The legislation is supported among Georgia’s hospitality industry, which has long sought clarity on the issue. The Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association has voiced strong support for the measure, arguing that it will help prevent fraud and abuse while protecting hotel employees from confrontational incidents. Law enforcement officials have also backed the bill, saying that it will eliminate confusion when responding to disputes between hotels and overstaying guests.”
The full text of HB 183 may be found here.
Representative Devan Seabaugh represents the citizens of District 34, which includes a portion of Cobb County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2021 and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Industry and Labor and Appropriations Subcommittee on Health. He also serves on the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Public & Community Health and Transportation committees.
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