"Squatter's rights" may be one of the most nonsensical, anti-property ideas to ever exist. In short, the concept says that if you simply live in a place long enough, you have a right to continue doing so — even if you don't own the property and even if you don't have the owner's approval to do so.
In Maryland, one prolific squatter has allegedly taken up residence in a $2.3 million mansion in Bethesda. Tamieka Goode was just released from jail, where she only spent 12 days. Neighbors of the bank-owned mansion are fed up, too.
SHE'S BACK AT IT: Tamieka Goode, an alleged squatter of a $2.3M mansion in Bethesda, Md., was released from jail after only 12 days.
— Gary M. Collins (@realgarycollins) February 10, 2026
Her attorney spoke out in an exclusive interview about how Goode obtained 'squatter rights' to the sprawling estate where she lives once again. pic.twitter.com/OVA688O1Pi
Spotlight on Maryland reported in late January that Goode, a self-proclaimed “pro-se litigation coach,” finally received her day in court after nine months of legal maneuvering and repeatedly missing her scheduled hearing dates.
During a hearing break, Goode was asked by Spotlight on Maryland why she was living in the Bethesda mansion without authorization and whether she thought squatting was criminal.
“Get out of my face,” said Goode, outside of the L. Leonard Ruben District Court of Maryland.
Judge John C. Moffett found Goode guilty on all charges and sentenced her to a 90-day prison term to be served immediately. During the trial, the judge told Goode she had “some demented thoughts to justify” squatting.
Court records show Goode was released 11 days after her conviction from Montgomery County prison on Feb. 2. Goode posted a $5,000 cash appeal bond and retained attorney Alex J. Webster, III, with Maronick Law, to represent her in her future circuit court appearance.
Goode's attorney, Alex J. Webster, III, told Fox 5 Baltimore his client gamed the system. "Well, Miss Goode did her research,” Webster said. “She found out that a certain property was under the control of a certain group – there was a title issue."
Webster added, "Due to the title issue, she was able to assume the property under squatter’s rights."
So that's all it takes? You can just show up to a home you don't own, exploit loopholes in the system, and steal property? We don't have property rights if a squatter can take them so easily.
This whole idea of squatter's rights needs to end. It is trespass and theft plain and simple.
— Tony (@1st_12151791) February 10, 2026
Legislatures need to act to change the laws. They won't, because the abolition of property rights is a goal of certain political classes in America.
Squatters are parasites.
— Nu Nyo (@Nu_Ny0) February 10, 2026
Yes, they are.
Why doesn't she feel embarrassed?
— Colt 🇺🇸 (@NoRunArea) February 10, 2026
Because we've created a culture where entitlement rules the day.
There should be no such thing as squatter rights. The whole concept has to be the most absurd and ridiculous thing ever conceptualized.
— BET.NO.EVIL AKA Fentanyl Ferret (@BetNoEvil) February 10, 2026
Yes, and only legislation can change this.