Guide to Preventing Squatters
Landowners would obviously wish to avoid occupation by
squatters in the first place. Sensible precautions would be:
Keep properties securely locked when unoccupied. Security is
a landowner’s concern not only when their properties are vacant.
Maintain adequate security both when a property is let and
when it is vacant- local police can advise on how to best do this. It
is the landlord's interest to keep a property secure even when it is
being let as a landlord can be held responsible for a residential
tenant's losses if properties are susceptible to burglaries etc.
As vacant premises attract higher insurance premiums for
landowners, you should consult your insurers about measures they
require you to take when your properties are vacant.
Give the appearance of occupation. Have curtains or blinds in
place and perhaps have a neighbour or cleaner make regular visits.
Leave radios switched on, and lights on timers.
Fence off or adequately barricade areas of vacant land.
Provide regular security patrols, if necessary.
Make regular visits to premises and vacant land and monitor
the situation carefully.
Do not leave premises unoccupied for long periods. While most
landowners want to avoid vacant periods, there are many instances where
properties or land are left vacant for many years.
Consult companies who specialise in providing temporary
occupiers for vacant commercial and residential premises.
Bear in mind that commercial premises, particularly shops,
can often be occupied on a temporary trading basis on short term
agreements up to 6 months.
If you find anyone occupying your property without your
consent contact the police immediately. They may be able to act without
recourse to the courts, though they sometimes need some persuasion to
do so.
Try to be present when the police attend as you as landowner
can advise on the true situation and help avoid further damages to the
premises.
If the police are unable or unwilling to assist, contact
Bartletts to start proceedings for an interim possession order
immediately.
Guide to Evicting Squatters
Bartletts Solicitors offer a full guide to legal issues
surrounding
the eviction of squatters and trespassers from landlords' property:
Part One: Definition,
Rights and Organisation of Squatters
Part Two: Preliminary
Issues and Legal Process
Part Three: Preventing
Squatters
Part Four: Definition
and
Rights of Trespassers
