At any one time there are hundreds of unoccupied homes in the UK and such homes are often at risk of squatters. Vacant houses all over the nation could become occupied – whether they are repossessed houses for sale in Liverpool or flats up for rent in Leicester – and once in, it can be very difficult to remove squatters. This problem really is a landlord’s worst nightmare.

‘Squatter’s rights’

For most people ‘squatter’s rights’ are a little mysterious and people often hold erroneous views of the rights of someone living in a property that they do not own, without the owner’s permission.

There is a law that makes it illegal to use threatening or violent behaviour to enter a property where someone opposes entry. However, this law does not apply displaced residential occupiers or protected intending occupiers, so for instance such a person could break down the door of their own home without it being a crime.

Other people can’t force entry into any property where the person inside opposes entry.

Removing squatters

Being on someone else’s property without permission is not a crime in itself, but if other crimes are committed gaining access or inside a property, police can act and remove them.

If someone is a displaced residential occupier or a protected intending occupier then it is a crime for squatters to refuse to leave a property and the squatters can be arrested.

IPO

If someone is an occupier or a landlord then they have immediate rights to take possession of the property and should be able – within a few days – to get a IPO, an interim possession order. Squatters can then be served with this and must leave within 24 hours. For more advice on squatters for landlords and occupiers, it is wise to contact the Citizens Advice Bureau http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk.