Home Invasion Law Now in Effect in Trinidad and Tobago: What You Need to Know

The Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Act, 2025 is now law, following Presidential Assent by President Christine Carla Kangaloo, according to a media release from the Office of the Prime Minister.

The legislation, Act No. 11 of 2025, formally creates the offence of home invasion and affirms the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves, their families and their property within their dwelling house.

The new law removes any duty to retreat when a person is confronted by an intruder in their home. It allows for the use of reasonable defensive force, including deadly force where necessary, in circumstances where a person believes such action is required to protect life or property.

The Office of the Prime Minister said the legislation was introduced in response to growing public concern over violent home invasions and aims to strengthen protection for families and improve public safety.

Government officials have emphasised that the law applies to persons who are lawfully inside a dwelling and does not provide a licence for reckless or excessive force. Each incident will continue to be assessed based on the facts and circumstances surrounding the use of force.

President Kangaloo also assented to the Summary Offences (Amendment) Act, 2025, Act No. 13 of 2025, which strengthens measures addressing noise pollution and the indiscriminate use of fireworks.

According to the release, the amendments are intended to reduce the impact of excessive noise and unregulated fireworks on public health, safety and community well-being, particularly affecting vulnerable individuals and animals.

The Office of the Prime Minister said the assent of both Acts forms part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to address crime, public disorder and community well-being.

While the Home Invasion Act strengthens self-defence rights, it applies only within a dwelling house, protects law-abiding occupants, does not permit vigilante behaviour or excessive force, and leaves each incident to be judged on its specific facts and circumstances.