Encampment Information for Property Owners

A black and white photo of a homeless encampment

There are many responsibilities and stressors that can come with owning property, whether it be a vacant lot, a home, or a business. One of the concerns that may arise is the sudden appearance of a homeless camp or seeing homeless individuals on your property. 

The City of Arlington understands that this may be a significant concern for residents and stakeholders. This page is meant to inform property owners so they can make decisions for their property when such issues arise.

The city does have processes in place to address these issues. It is our continued hope to partner with the community to be sure this a place where community members can thrive safely.

Click on the tabs below to learn more. 

Criminal Trespass Warnings

As a property owner, you have the right to issue a Criminal Trespass Warning to anyone who is on your property. 

To issue a Criminal Trespass Warning:

  • An officer must be present
  • The individual who you wish to issue the warning to must be present
  • The property owner must decide when the individual should vacate the property and for how long they are to remain off the property

After a warning is issued, officers will complete a report and add the individual into a trespass log that is accessible to all officers.

If the individual is found on your property after being issued a warning, and the time given to vacate has passed, the individual will be arrested for Criminal Trespass. Prosecution may require your presence at a court date.

Note: Police do not take any enforcement action regarding property cleanup. 

Code Compliance

After individuals at a location have vacated the property, Code Compliance or the appropriate party will evaluate the area. 

Property owners are responsible for keeping their property clean and will be responsible for removing any remnants of the encampment left behind. Failure to do so may result in citations by Code Compliance for Unclean Premise. Owners are given a certain amount of time to clean their property before being cited.

If the owner has been cited and the property has not been cleaned, Code Officers may obtain an abatement warrant signed by a judge. The warrant allows Code Compliance the right to clean a specified area within the property. The property owner is then billed for the cost the city incurred.

Outreach

Outreach

The Arlington Police Department's Behavioral Health Law Enforcement Unit houses the Homeless Engagement and Resource Team (HEART), which consists of Behavioral Health Response Officers and a Crisis Intervention Specialist.

HEART responds to complaints of encampments or unsheltered individuals within the City of Arlington. Once an encampment is identified, HEART makes contact and collaborates with city partners to ensure systems work fluidly.

The use of local resources is essential to address the needs of the unsheltered. Partnerships allow for continued outreach contacts. Our community partners include Hands of Hope, Mission Arlington, My Health My Resources of Tarrant County (MHMR), Partnership Home, Arlington Housing Authority, and more.

MHMR also offers a Mental Health Diversion Center. Police may use this one-stop resource connection for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis in lieu of arresting for criminal trespass. This center provides resources including case management, shelter, and mental health services.

Contacts

Arlington PD Homeless Engagement and Resource Team (HEART)
(817) 575-3250
HEART@ArlingtonTX.gov

City of Arlington Code Compliance
(817) 459-6777

DRC Solutions
(817) 810-9797

Partnership Home
(817) 996-8800

MHMR Tarrant County
(817) 335-3022

Arlington Housing Authority
(817) 275-3351

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