Maryland Lawmaker Pushes for Registry of Repeat Squatters

A Republican lawmaker from Maryland is advocating for a state registry to track repeat squatters. This move comes in response to high-profile cases of unauthorized home occupancy. State Delegate Ryan Nawrocki, representing Baltimore County, has proposed a database akin to a sex offender registry to help law enforcement and property owners identify individuals accused of repeated squatting.

Nawrocki shared with Spotlight on Maryland that this squatters database could closely resemble a sex offender registry, which is a government-maintained system that monitors individuals convicted of certain sex crimes. These registries require offenders to update their personal details with authorities and are often accessible to the public for searches by name or location.

He emphasized that the proposed registry would focus on individuals who repeatedly engage in squatting, ensuring law enforcement is equipped with relevant information when attending to affected properties.

A recent case highlights the urgency of Nawrocki’s proposal. Baltimore County police encountered a situation involving Germarcco Dante Trayham, a 45-year-old accused of squatting in a newly renovated property. Trayham reportedly presented a lease, similar to an earlier incident at another location in January. However, inconsistencies in the lease details raised concerns, including unverifiable landlord information.

Maryland court records reviewed reveal Trayham’s criminal past, with charges including armed robbery, assault, theft, and firearm-related offenses. This history underscores the need for effective measures to address repeat squatting offenses.

The legislative push aligns with recent bipartisan efforts to crack down on fraudulent leases used in squatting cases. A new law set to take effect in October introduces felony charges with penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment for creating fake leases with fraudulent intent. Despite the absence of a registry, Nawrocki introduced HB202 in January 2025 to criminalize organized squatting. Though the legislation did not pass, he stressed the importance of protecting homeowners from prolonged legal battles over property rights.

The issue of squatting has garnered increasing attention. While comprehensive national data is lacking, reports from housing groups and lawmakers indicate that squatting is becoming more prevalent. A 2024 survey by the National Rental Home Council identified over 1,800 squatted homes among members in major metropolitan areas.

Responding to these concerns, states like Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee have enacted laws to expedite squatters’ removal and bolster property owner protections.

Newsweek editors Jenni Fink and Gray R. Thomas are tracking developments on this story.